Methods and apparatus for enhancing scheduler fairness in small-cell wireless systems

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for enhancing packet scheduler fairness in a small-cell wireless communication network. In one embodiment, the methods and apparatus utilize “quasi-licensed” CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) wireless spectrum in conjunction with 3GPP wireless communication network (e.g. 4G LTE or 5GNR) for the delivery of services to a number of enhanced CPE (consumer premises equipment), such as fixed wireless apparatus (FWAe). The various FWAe report Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) data to their respective serving base stations over time, and each base station both builds a statistical characterization of each FWAe, and maps the CQI data to a prescribed configuration (e.g., to the Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS)) adaptively for the transmission of the data to the FWAe, and development of a scheduler priority for each FWAe. In one implementation, once the CQI values are stable for a given FWAe, CQI reporting is terminated for a period of time.

COPYRIGHT

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BACKGROUND 1. Technological Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of wirelessnetworks and specifically, in one or more exemplary embodiments, tomethods and apparatus for ensuring fairness in resource scheduling fordifferent user devices served by a wireless node, such as for examplethose providing connectivity via technologies such as Citizens BroadbandRadio Service (CBRS), LSA (Licensed Shared Access), TVWS, or DynamicSpectrum Allocation (DSA).

2. Description of Related Technology

Data communication services are now ubiquitous throughout user premises(e.g., home, office, and even vehicles). Such data communicationservices may be provided via a managed or unmanaged networks. Forinstance, a typical home has services provided by one or more networkservice providers via a managed network such as a cable or satellitenetwork. These services may include content delivery (e.g., lineartelevision, on-demand content, personal or cloud DVR, “start over,”etc.), as well as so-called “over the top” third party content.Similarly, Internet and telephony access is also typically provided, andmay be bundled with the aforementioned content delivery functions intosubscription packages, which are increasingly becoming more user- orpremises-specific in their construction and content. Such services arealso increasingly attempting to adopt the paradigm of “anywhere,”anytime,” so that users (subscribers) can access the desired services(e.g., watch a movie) via a number of different receiving and renderingplatforms, such as in different rooms of their house, on their mobiledevice while traveling, etc.

Similarly, wireless data services of varying types are now ubiquitous.Such wireless services may include for instance (i) “licensed” service,such as cellular service provided by a mobile network operator (MNO),(ii) quasi-licensed (e.g., “shared” spectrum which in some cases may bewithdrawn, such as CBRS), (iii) unlicensed (such as Wi-Fi (IEEE Std.802.11) and “unlicensed cellular” technologies such as LTE-U/LAA orNR-U, as well as IoT (Internet of Things) services.

One common model is to provide localized unlicensed “small cell” (e.g.,3GPP “femtocell”) coverage via a service provider such as a terrestrialfiber or cable MSO. These small cells can leverage e.g., 3GPP unlicensedbands (such as NR-U bands in the 5 GHz range) or other spectrum such asCBRS (3.550-3.70 GHz, 3GPP Band 48), and C-Bands (3.30-5.00 GHz).Technologies for use of other bands such as 6 GHz band (5.925-7.125 GHzsuch as for Wi-Fi-6), and even mmWave bands (e.g., 24 GHz and above) arealso under development and expected to be widely deployed in comingyears.

Small cells offer great flexibility for providing effectivelyshared-access cellular coverage without the CAPEX and otherconsiderations associated with a normal licensed cellular (e.g., 3GPPNodeB) deployment. Since small cells are designed to service fewerusers/throughput, they can also be backhauled by many existing andcommonly available forms of infrastructure, such as coaxial cablenetworks currently managed and operated by cable MSOs. Advantageously,there is a very large base of installed coaxial cable in the U.S. (andother countries), and the cable medium itself is capable of appreciablebandwidth, especially with more recent upgrades of the backhaulinfrastructure supporting the coaxial cable “last mile” (e.g., DWDMoptical distribution networks, high-speed DOCSIS modem protocols, andconverged/edge cable platforms such as CCAP).

Hence, cable MSOs have more recently begun deploying “small cells” (suchas CBRS CBSDs) for their enterprise and residential customers in orderto provide wireless coverage and backhaul, whether in high-density urbanapplications, suburban applications, and even low-density ruralapplications. For instance, in rural applications, such wireless cellsin effect greatly extend the last mile of installed cable, providing awireless backhaul for e.g., residential CPE which could otherwise not beserviced due to lack of a coaxial cable. Conversely, in urbanapplications, wireless coverage may be spotty due to e.g., largebuildings and other infrastructure, and poor coverage can affect largenumbers of users due to their higher geographical/spatial density,thereby necessitating small cell use. Common to all of these deploymentscenarios is the managed backhaul (e.g., cable) network.

Managed Networks

Network operators deliver data services (e.g., broadband) and videoproducts to customers using a variety of different devices, therebyenabling their users or subscribers to access data/content in a numberof different contexts, both fixed (e.g., at their residence) and mobile(such as while traveling or away from home).

Data/content delivery may be specific to the network operator, such aswhere video content is ingested by the network operator or its proxy,and delivered to the network users or subscribers as a product orservice of the network operator. For instance, a cable multiple systemsoperator (MSO) may ingest content from multiple different sources (e.g.,national networks, content aggregators, etc.), process the ingestedcontent, and deliver it to the MSO subscribers via e.g., a hybrid fibercoax (HFC) cable/fiber network, such as to the subscriber's set-top boxor DOCSIS cable modem. Such ingested content is transcoded to thenecessary format as required (e.g., MPEG-2 or MPEG-4/AVC), framed andplaced in the appropriate media container format (“packaged”), andtransmitted via e.g., statistical multiplex into a multi-programtransport stream (MPTS) on 6 MHz radio frequency (RF) channels forreceipt by the subscribers RF tuner, demultiplexed and decoded, andrendered on the user's rendering device (e.g., digital TV) according tothe prescribed coding format.

FIG. 1 is functional block diagram illustrating a typical prior artmanaged (e.g., HFC cable) content delivery network architecture 100 usedto provide such data services to its users and subscribers, specificallyshowing a typical approach for delivery of high-speed data (broadband)services to such users via a variety of different end-userconfigurations.

As shown in FIG. 1 (simplified for illustration), one or more networkheadends 102 are in fiber communication with a plurality of nodes 113via fiber ring and distribution network 121. The headend(s) include aDOCSIS-compliant CMTS (cable modem termination system) 103, discussed ingreater detail below, which provide for downstream and upstream datacommunication with a plurality of user or subscriber DOCSIS cable modems(CMs) 125 which service corresponding CPE 127 such as WLAN devices, PCs,wireless small cells, etc. The nodes 113 convert the optical domainsignals to RF signals typically in the range of 42-750 MHz fordownstream transmission, and likewise convert RF domain signals tooptical for upstream data in the range of 0-42 MHz. Within the coaxialportion of the network 100, a plurality of amplifiers 114 and tap-offpoints 115 exist, so as to enable amplification and delivery of signals,respectively, to all portions of the coaxial topography. A backbone 119connects the headend to external networks and data sources, such as viathe Internet or other types of MAN/WAN/internetworks.

In a typical HFC network headend 102 (see FIG. 1A), data is packetizedand routed to the requesting user based on the user's network or IPaddress, such as via the aforementioned high-speed DOCSIS cable modems125, according to the well-known network-layer and DOCSIS PHY protocols.

The CMTS 103, is the central platform in enabling high speed Internetconnectivity over the HFC network. The CMTS consists of variousfunctional components, including upstream and downstream transceivers,MAC schedulers, QoS functions, security/access authentication, etc. SeeFIG. 1B, wherein multiple different CBSD/xNB devices 131 servingheterogeneous types of users/clients are backhauled to a common CMTS.

Another key component in the headend 102, is the Edge QAM modulator(EQAM) 105. The EQAM receives e.g., an IP unicast or multicast MPEGtransport stream packet over a GigE (Gigabit Ethernet) interface, andproduces transport stream on one or more RF channels for transmissionover the HFC distribution network 121. The EQAM can also perform otherfunctions such as re-stamp of Program Clock Reference (PCR) timestampssuch as for de-jitter processing. Output from the EQAM 105 is combinedwith video signals (e.g., SDV, analog, etc.) for downstream transmissionby the combiner logic 107.

CBRS and Other “Shared Access” Systems—

In 2016, the FCC made available Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS)spectrum in the 3550-3700 MHz (3.5 GHz) band, making 150 MHz of spectrumavailable for mobile broadband and other commercial users. The CBRS isunique, in that it makes available a comparatively large amount ofspectrum (frequency bandwidth) without the need for expensive auctions,and without ties to a particular operator or service provider.

Moreover, the CBRS spectrum is suitable for shared use betweengovernment and commercial interests, based on a system of existing“incumbents,” including the Department of Defense (DoD) and fixedsatellite services. Specifically, a three-tiered access framework forthe 3.5 GHz is used; i.e., (i) an Incumbent Access tier 202, (ii)Priority Access tier 204, and (iii) General Authorized Access tier 206.See FIG. 2. The three tiers are coordinated through one or more dynamicSpectrum Access Systems (SAS) 302 as shown in FIG. 3 (including e.g.,Band 48 therein).

Incumbent Access (existing DOD and satellite) users 202 includeauthorized federal and grandfathered Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) userscurrently operating in the 3.5 GHz band shown in FIG. 2. These userswill be protected from harmful interference from Priority Access License(PAL) and General Authorized Access (GAA) users. The sensor networks,operated by Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) operators, make surethat incumbents and others utilizing the spectrum are protected frominterference.

The Priority Access tier 204 (including acquisition of spectrum for upto three years through an auction process) consists of Priority AccessLicenses (PALs) that will be assigned using competitive bidding withinthe 3550-3650 MHz portion of the band. Each PAL is defined as anon-renewable authorization to use a 10 MHz channel in a single censustract for three years. Up to seven (7) total PALs may be assigned in anygiven census tract, with up to four PALs going to any single applicant.Applicants may acquire up to two-consecutive PAL terms in any givenlicense area during the first auction.

The General Authorized Access tier 206 (for any user with an authorized3.5 GHz device) is licensed-by-rule to permit open, flexible access tothe band for the widest possible group of potential users. GeneralAuthorized Access (GAA) users are permitted to use any portion of the3550-3700 MHz band not assigned to a higher tier user and may alsooperate opportunistically on unused Priority Access License (PAL)channels.

The FCC's three-tiered spectrum sharing architecture of FIG. 2 utilizes“fast-track” band (3550-3700 MHz) identified by PCAST and NTIA, whileTier 2 and 3 are regulated under a new Citizens Broadband Radio Service(CBRS). CBSDs (Citizens Broadband radio Service Devices—in effect,wireless access points) 131 (see FIG. 3) can only operate underauthority of a centralized Spectrum Access System (SAS) 302. Rules areoptimized for small-cell use, but also accommodate point-to-point andpoint-to-multipoint, especially in rural areas.

Under the FCC system, the standard SAS 302 includes the followingelements: (1) CBSD registration; (2) interference analysis; (3)incumbent protection; (4) PAL license validation; (5) CBSD channelassignment; (6) CBSD power limits; (7) PAL protection; and (8)SAS-to-SAS coordination. As shown in FIG. 3, these functions areprovided for by, inter alia, an incumbent detection (i.e., environmentalsensing) function 307 configured to detect use by incumbents, and anincumbent information function 309 configured to inform the incumbentwhen use by another user occurs. An FCC database 311 is also provided,such as for PAL license validation, CBSD registration, and otherfunctions.

An optional Domain Proxy (DP) 308 is also provided for in the FCCarchitecture. Each DP 308 includes: (1) SAS interface GW includingsecurity; (2) directive translation between CBSD 131 and domaincommands; (3) bulk CBSD directive processing; and (4) interferencecontribution reporting to the SAS.

A domain is defined is any collection of CBSDs 131 that need to begrouped for management; e.g.: large enterprises, venues, stadiums, trainstations. Domains can be even larger/broader in scope, such as forexample a terrestrial operator network. Moreover, domains may or may notuse private addressing. A Domain Proxy (DP) 308 can aggregate controlinformation flows to other SAS, such as e.g., a Commercial SAS (CSAS,not shown), and generate performance reports, channel requests,heartbeats, etc.

CBSDs 131 can generally be categorized as either Category A or CategoryB. Category A CBSDs have an EIRP or Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Powerof 30 dBm (1 Watt)/10 MHz, fixed indoor or outdoor location (with anantenna <6 m in length if outdoor). Category B CBSDs have 47 dBm EIRP(50 Watts)/10 MHz, and fixed outdoor location only. Professionalinstallation of Category B CBSDs is required, and the antenna must beless than 6 m in length. All CBSD's have a vertical positioning accuracyrequirement of +/−3 m. Terminals (i.e., user devices akin to UE) have 23dBm EIRP (0.2 Watts)/10 MHz requirements, and mobility of the terminalsis allowed.

In terms of spectral access, CBRS utilizes a time division duplex (TDD)multiple access architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a typical prior art CBRS-based CPE (consumer premisesequipment)/FWA architecture 400 for a served premises (e.g., userresidence), wherein the CPE/FWA 403 is backhauled by a base station(e.g., eNB or gNB) 131, the latter which is backhauled by the DOCSISnetwork shown in FIG. 1A. A PoE (Power over Ethernet) injector system404 is used to power the CPE/FWA 403 as well as provide Ethernet (packetconnectivity for the CPE/FWA radio head to the home router 405).Additionally, new wireless systems and small cells are being fielded,including in new frequency bands which may be licensed, unlicensed, orallocated under a shared model similar to that used for CBRS (see e.g.,FIG. 5A, illustrating new Band 71 with the 600 MHz region, and FIG. 5Bshowing e.g., Bands 12-17 in the 700 MHz region).

Unaddressed Issues of Data Traffic Scheduling—

In the existing deployment model of a wireless network system such asthe small-cell based CBRS system referenced above, a packet scheduler ofa base station can schedule data to the various UE it serves at fixedtime intervals. For example, the packet scheduler can determine, every120 milliseconds, which UE will receive data via which radio frequency(RF) channel, etc. The typical packet scheduler takes into accountvarious metrics such as channel quality, traffic type, and quality ofservice (QoS) class for its determination.

In exemplary 3GPP technology, the Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), asdefined in 3GPP TS 36.213, entitled “Evolved Universal Terrestrial RadioAccess (E-UTRA); Physical layer procedures”, v16.1.0, dated April 2020,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, indicatesDownlink (DL) RF channel quality measured by a UE. The CQI value rangesfrom 0-15, as specified in 3GPP TS 36.213 (See FIG. 6 herein, derivedfrom TS 36.213 Table 7.3.2-1).

In a cellular wireless system (e.g., 4G LTE/5G), the RF channel betweena given base station and UE varies in a very short period due to UEmobility, and MCS needs to be changed rapidly in some cases according tothe channel variations. The UE measures Reference Signal Received Power(RSRP), maps the RSRP to Signal-to-Interference-Noise-Ratio (SINR) witha predefined formula, calculates CQI value from a lookup table thatshows the relation between SINR and CQI, and reports the calculated CQIto the base station. Consequently, the base station maps the receivedCQI value to an MCS from a pre-defined lookup table (e.g., FIG. 6)specified in TS 36.213, and adjust its DL MCS according to the mappedvalue from the table.

In a prior art FWA system, as shown in the architecture 400 of FIG. 4,the CPE 403 is located at a fixed location, and hence the RF channelcharacteristics between CBSD and CPE do not vary significantly in shortduration, which causes the FWA RF channel to be static. FWAdevices—often installed in, e.g., rural areas and remaining static afterinstallation—may not experience much variation in the observedcommunication channel quality due to, e.g., the surrounding environment(including, e.g., buildings and other structure that may potentiallyaffect the communication channel quality experienced by the FWA) and theexterior portions of FWA itself (e.g., antenna elements) remainingstatic. In this scenario, the packet scheduler performance may beimpacted negatively, based at least on the lack of diversity in resourceassignment (resulting from the little to no variation in the reportedCQIs). Such schedulers generally are optimized for constantly (morerapidly) changing CQI and channel conditions, and allocation ofresources based on this dynamically changing environment.

Conversely, once a given CQI value is transmitted from a particular FWAbased on its particular RF environment, such CQI value will rarelychange, and as a result the decision metrics used by the “dynamic”scheduler based on reported CQI would likely remain static. Thescheduler in effect “settles into” given CQI values/patterns ofallocation of resources for each different CPE, and these patterns maypersist for extended periods of time due to the lack of any change inCQI reported by the CPE (e.g. periodically). Consequently, the priorityfor downstream (DS) transmission of data assigned to such FWA, as wellas the assigned MCS, may rarely change.

Furthermore, this means if a particular FWA is located (physically)nearer to a base station (e.g., CBSD/xNB) than other FWA being served bythat base station, such closer FWA will likely always have the higherpriority in the DS data transmission from the base station because ofits presumptively higher channel quality (since channel quality andhence CQI is generally a function of RF path loss). Conversely, thefarther away an FWA is from the base station, the more degradation inchannel quality that the FWA may suffer due to, e.g., path loss,interfering RF sources, etc., and as such farther-away FWA may beprejudiced in terms of priority. This situation may lead to instanceswhere some customers using their FWA as wireless backhaul for theirpremises devices (e.g., wireless routers, femtocells, PCs, etc.)experience a very good quality of service generally all the time, andothers experience comparatively poor service consistently, and such poorservice which may even fall below SLA (service level agreement)minimums. Stated differently, the essentially random nature of a givencustomer's premises location relative to a serving base station maydictate their priority within the scheduler and hence in some regardstheir level of service. This obviously can lead to loss of customerexperience when using the service via one of the lower priority FWA, andadversely affect the perception of quality of the service provider bycustomers.

Moreover, running a scheduler in the base station/CBSD is costly interms of hardware and software resources. At each TTI (transmission timeinterval, such as e.g., 1 msec.), the typical scheduler collects all CQIvalues from all CPE in the network, and distributes the availableresource of that CBSD among the CPE in the network. Hence, the CBSDscheduler must wait for all CQI values from the various CPE to be sentand to be made available. Of those CQI values received by the scheduler,many may not be accurate/representative of the actual channel as well.Hence, such existing schedulers gather “snapshot” data repetitively andwith high overhead, and make scheduling decisions based only on eachsnapshot.

Hence, improved methods and apparatus are needed to, e.g., diversify thescheduling of the data transmissions (particularly in the DL) for aplurality of FWA with largely static surrounding RF conditions, so as toimprove the “fairness” of the data transaction with each FWA from agiven base station in a network. Such a solution would ideally result inmore equal allocation of available backhaul bandwidth across multipleFWA in a manner more decoupled from their particular channel conditions,and accordingly create higher quality of experience for consumers of thedata services.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses the foregoing needs by providing, interalia, methods and apparatus for optimizing operation (e.g., providingenhanced scheduler fairness) for, inter alia, served CPE such as FWAdevices within a wireless network.

In a first aspect of the disclosure, a computerized method of datatraffic management in a wireless network having a plurality of wirelesspremises devices in wireless communication with a base station isdescribed. In one embodiment, the computerized method includes:receiving at the base station of the wireless network first data relatedto respective ones of radio frequency (RF) channels between the basestation and the plurality of wireless premises devices; evaluating thereceived first data to generate respective characterizations of the RFchannels; based at least in part on the respective characterizations,adjusting a configuration of at least one of the wireless premisesdevices; and determining a schedule of data delivery to the wirelesspremises devices based at least on the characterizations and theadjusted configuration.

In one variant, the receiving of the first data includes receiving aChannel Quality Indicator (CQI) generated by respective ones of thewireless premises devices.

In another variant, the evaluating the received first data to generaterespective characterizations includes: calculating a respective standarddeviation of a plurality of Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) valuesreceived from each of the plurality of wireless premises devices over aperiod of time; and evaluating at least the standard deviationassociated with the at least one wireless premises device against aprescribed channel stability criterion. In one implementation thereof,the determining a schedule includes increasing a priority levelassociated with the data delivery to the at least one wireless premisesdevice relative to other priority levels associated with data deliveryto respective ones of other of the plurality of wireless premisesdevices.

In another variant of the method, the adjusting of the configurationincludes adjusting at least one of (i) a Modulation and Coding Scheme(MCS) value, or (ii) a transport block size (TBS) related to the atleast one wireless premises device. In one implementation, the adjustingthe at least one of (i) MCS value or (ii) TBS size includes: increasingthe MCS value by a first amount; transmitting data to the at least onewireless premises device using the increased MCS value; determining thatdata representative of a retransmission request for the transmitted datais received from the at least one wireless premises device; and based atleast on the determining that the data representative of theretransmission request is received, decreasing the MCS value by a secondamount.

In another implementation, the at least one of (i) MCS value or (ii) TBSsize includes: increasing the MCS value by a first amount; transmittingdata to the at least one wireless premises device using the increasedMCS value; determining that data representative of a retransmissionrequest for the transmitted data is not received from the at least onewireless premises device for a prescribed duration of time; and based atleast on the determining that the data representative of theretransmission request is not received for the prescribed duration oftime, increasing the MCS value further.

In a further variant, the method further includes performing, after thedetermining of the schedule, a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI)randomization process, the CQI randomization process including:generating data relating to a plurality of CQI values associated with aplurality of respective wireless premises devices; sending, to each oneof the plurality of wireless premises devices, data representative of arequest to stop reporting CQI values associated with the each wirelesspremises devices; after a prescribed period of time has elapsed sincethe sending, selecting one or more of the plurality of wireless premisesdevices via a randomized process; and increasing respective one or moreof the plurality of CQI values associated with the one or more of theplurality of wireless premises devices by a prescribed amount in orderto perturb the system.

In yet another variant, the base station includes a CBRS (CitizensBroadband Radio Service) CBSD (Citizens Broadband Service Device)compliant with 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) protocols;the respective ones of the RF channels each comprise channels using aCBRS frequency within the band of 3.550 to 3.700 GHz inclusive, the CBRSfrequency assigned to the CBSD by a SAS (Spectrum Allocation System);and the user device includes a CBRS fixed wireless apparatus (FWA).

In another aspect of the disclosure, a computerized wireless networkapparatus configured for data communication at least with a plurality offixed wireless Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) via a content deliverynetwork is described. In one embodiment, the computerized wirelessnetwork apparatus includes: processor apparatus; a wireless interface indata communication with the processor apparatus and configured forwireless data communication with the plurality of fixed wireless CPE;and storage apparatus in data communication with the processorapparatus, the storage apparatus including at least one computerprogram. In one variant, the at least one computer program is configuredto, when executed by the processor apparatus, cause the computerizedwireless network apparatus to: receive first data relating to a wirelesschannel between one of the plurality of fixed wireless CPE and thecomputerized wireless network apparatus; process the received first datato determine a priority of the one fixed wireless CPE relative to atleast one other of the plurality of fixed wireless CPE; based at leaston the processed first data, cause adjustment of a configuration of thewireless interface and a corresponding wireless interface of the onefixed wireless CPE; and based at least in part on the adjustedconfiguration, determine schedule of data delivery to the plurality offixed wireless CPE.

In another variant, the receipt of the first data relating to a wirelesschannel between one of the plurality of fixed wireless CPE and thecomputerized wireless network apparatus includes receipt of a pluralityof CQI data over a prescribed period of time; and the processing of thereceived first data to determine a priority includes: generation of astatistical distribution using at least the plurality of CQI data; andgeneration of a representative CQI value based on the statisticaldistribution.

In one implementation, the generation of a representative CQI valuebased on the statistical distribution includes determination of at leastone of a mean or median value for the statistical distribution; and theadjustment of a configuration of the wireless interface and acorresponding wireless interface of the one fixed wireless CPE is basedat least on the mean or median value.

In another variant, the at least one computer program is furtherconfigured to, when executed by the processor apparatus, cause thecomputerized wireless network apparatus to utilize received feedbackdata sent from the fixed wireless CPE in the adjustment of theconfiguration of the wireless interface and a corresponding wirelessinterface of the one fixed wireless CPE. In one implementation thereof,the receiving feedback data from the end-user device relating to thesufficiency of the data transmission includes receiving data relating toa need for retransmission of the data due to a decoding failure by theend-user device.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a fixed wireless apparatus for usein a wireless network is described. In one embodiment, the apparatusincludes: at least one wireless interface; processor apparatus in datacommunication with the at least one wireless interface; and storageapparatus in data communication with the processor apparatus, thestorage apparatus including at least one computer program configured to,when executed by the processor apparatus: utilize the at least onewireless interface to measure at least one aspect of a radio frequency(RF) signal transmitted from a base station serving the fixed wirelessapparatus; based at least on the measured at least one aspect, determineat least one data value indicative of a quality of a channel carryingthe transmitted RF signal; transmit the at least one data value to thebase station using the at least one wireless interface; and thereafter:transmit feedback data to the base station using the at least onewireless interface; receive data from the base station instructing thefixed wireless apparatus to suspend further transmission of the at leastone data indicative of a quality of a channel to the base station; andbased at least on the received data from the base station, causecessation of the transmission of the at least one data indicative of aquality of the channel until a subsequent occurrence of an event.

In one variant, the base station includes a CBRS (Citizens BroadbandRadio Service) CBSD (Citizens Broadband Service Device) compliant with3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) protocols; the UP data isreceived using a CBRS frequency within the band of 3.550 to 3.700 GHzinclusive, the CBRS frequency assigned to the CBSD by a SAS (SpectrumAllocation System); and the fixed wireless apparatus includes a CBRSfixed wireless apparatus (FWA) disposed at a user premises; and whereinthe base station and fixed wireless apparatus are each managed by acommon network operator serving the user premises.

In one implementation thereof, the measured at least one aspect of aradio frequency (RF) signal includes a received power measurement; andthe determination of the at least one data value indicative of a qualityof a channel carrying the transmitted RF signal includes: determinationof a quantity relating signal to noise within the RF signal; and usingthe determined quantity to generate at least one channel quality indexvalue. In another variant, the at least one computer program is furtherconfigured to, when executed by the processor apparatus, determine thatthe channel carrying the transmitted RF signal is substantiallyinvariate over a prescribed period of time. In one implementation, theevent includes a subsequent change in at least one of a modulation andcoding scheme (MCS) or transport block size (TB S) associated withtransmission of user plane (UP) data from the base station to the fixedwireless apparatus using the channel.

In one configuration, the at least one computer program is furtherconfigured to, when executed by the processor apparatus, causetransmission of feedback data to the base station using the at least onewireless interface after the subsequent change in the at least one ofthe MCS or TBS.

In an additional aspect of the disclosure, computer readable apparatusis described. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a storage mediumconfigured to store one or more computer programs, such as on a fixedwireless receiver of a managed wireless network. In one embodiment, theapparatus includes a program memory or HDD or SSD and stores one or morecomputer programs supporting scheduler fairness for fixed wirelessreceivers.

In another aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) device implementing one ormore of the foregoing aspects is disclosed and described. In oneembodiment, the IC device is embodied as a SoC (system on Chip) device.In another embodiment, an ASIC (application specific IC) is used as thebasis of the device. In yet another embodiment, a chip set (i.e.,multiple ICs used in coordinated fashion) is disclosed. In yet anotherembodiment, the device includes a multi-logic block FPGA device.

In a further aspect, methods and apparatus for randomizing CQIassignment are disclosed.

In a further aspect, methods and apparatus for determining a need forMCS and/or TBS adjustment are described.

In another aspect, methods and apparatus for determining when to adjustCQI distribution are disclosed.

In a further aspect, methods and apparatus for determining when to stopreceiving CQI values from CPE/FWA are disclosed.

In yet another aspect, a database to maintain reported/assigned CQIvalues is disclosed.

In a further aspect, a scheduler apparatus is disclosed.

In another aspect, a network apparatus for downstream data trafficmanagement is described.

In still a further aspect, a network architecture comprising a basestation which includes DS data transmission schedule management logic, aplurality of CPE/FWA apparatus and a plurality of user devices isdisclosed.

These and other aspects shall become apparent when considered in lightof the disclosure provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a prior art hybrid fiber-coaxial(HFC) data network for delivery of data to end user devices.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating the DOCSIS infrastructure of theHFC network of FIG. 1, and various types of backhauled premises devices.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating the DOCSIS infrastructure of theHFC network of FIG. 1, wherein multiple different CBSD/xNB devicesserving heterogeneous types of users/clients are backhauled to a commonCMTS.

FIG. 2 is a graphical illustration of prior art CBRS (Citizens BroadbandRadio Service) users and their relationship to allocated frequencyspectrum in the 3.550 to 3.700 GHz band.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a general architecturefor the CBRS system of the prior art.

FIG. 4 is a graphical illustration of a prior art configuration fordelivery of data from a base station to an end-user device (CPE/FWA)within the wireless coverage area of the base station.

FIG. 5A is a graphical representation of Band 71 radio frequency (RF)spectrum currently allocated for use by the FCC.

FIG. 5B is a tabular representation of various E-UTRA RF spectrum bandscurrently allocated.

FIG. 6 is a tabular representation of exemplary prior art CQI valueranges from 0-15, as specified in 3GPP TS 36.213, Table 7.3.2-1.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary wireless deliveryarchitecture according to the present disclosure, including enhancedbase station (BSe) and enhanced CPE (CPEe).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of aCBSDe/xNBe base station apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment ofa CBSDe/xNBe base station apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of anFWAe apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a logical flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of ageneralized method of wireless channel assessment and scheduleadjustment, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a logical flow diagram representing one implementation of thegeneralized method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11A is a logical flow diagram representing one implementation ofthe schedule modification process of FIG. 11.

FIG. 11B is a logical flow diagram representing one implementation ofthe CQI randomization process of FIG. 11.

FIG. 11C is a logical flow diagram representing one implementation ofthe evaluation and RF configuration adjustment processes of FIG. 11B.

FIG. 12 is a logical flow diagram representing one implementation of thedisclosed channel quality determination and reporting process.

FIG. 13 is a ladder diagram illustrating communication and data flowbetween a serving CBSDe/xNBe and served FWAe, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an MSO/MNOcooperative network architecture utilizing the enhanced CBSD and CPE/FWAapparatus of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1-5B and 7-14 ©Copyright 2019-2020 Charter CommunicationsOperating, LLC. All rights reserved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout.

As used herein, the term “access node” refers generally and withoutlimitation to a network node which enables communication between a useror client device and another entity within a network, such as forexample a CBRS CBSD, small cell, a cellular xNB, a Wi-Fi AP, or aWi-Fi-Direct enabled client or other device acting as a Group Owner(GO).

As used herein, the term “application” (or “app”) refers generally andwithout limitation to a unit of executable software that implements acertain functionality or theme. The themes of applications vary broadlyacross any number of disciplines and functions (such as on-demandcontent management, e-commerce transactions, brokerage transactions,home entertainment, calculator etc.), and one application may have morethan one theme. The unit of executable software generally runs in apredetermined environment; for example, the unit could include adownloadable Java Xlet™ that runs within the JavaTV™ environment.Applications as used herein may also include so-called “containerized”applications and their execution and management environments such as VMs(virtual machines) and Docker and Kubernetes.

As used herein, the term “CBRS” refers without limitation to the CBRSarchitecture and protocols described in Signaling Protocols andProcedures for Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS): Spectrum AccessSystem (SAS)—Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD) InterfaceTechnical Specification—Document WINNF-TS-0016, Version V1.2.1. 3,January 2018, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and anyrelated documents or subsequent versions thereof.

As used herein, the terms “client device” or “user device” or “UE”include, but are not limited to, set-top boxes (e.g., DSTBs), gateways,modems, FWA devices, personal computers (PCs), and minicomputers,whether desktop, laptop, or otherwise, and mobile devices such ashandheld computers, PDAs, personal media devices (PMDs), tablets,“phablets”, smartphones, and vehicle infotainment systems or portionsthereof.

As used herein, the term “computer program” or “software” is meant toinclude any sequence or human or machine cognizable steps which performa function. Such program may be rendered in virtually any programminglanguage or environment including, for example, C/C++, Fortran, COBOL,PASCAL, assembly language, markup languages (e.g., HTML, SGML, XML,VoXML), and the like, as well as object-oriented environments such asthe Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), Java™ (includingJ2ME, Java Beans, etc.) and the like.

As used herein, the term “DOCSIS” refers to any of the existing orplanned variants of the Data Over Cable Services InterfaceSpecification, including for example DOCSIS versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0,3.1 and 4.0 and any EuroDOCSIS counterparts or derivatives relatingthereto, as well as so-called “Extended Spectrum DOCSIS”.

As used herein, the term “headend” or “backend” refers generally to anetworked system controlled by an operator (e.g., an MSO) thatdistributes programming to MSO clientele using client devices. Suchprogramming may include literally any information source/receiverincluding, inter alia, free-to-air TV channels, pay TV channels,interactive TV, over-the-top services, streaming services, and theInternet.

As used herein, the terms “Internet” and “internet” are usedinterchangeably to refer to inter-networks including, withoutlimitation, the Internet. Other common examples include but are notlimited to: a network of external servers, “cloud” entities (such asmemory or storage not local to a device, storage generally accessible atany time via a network connection, and the like), service nodes, accesspoints, controller devices, client devices, etc.

As used herein, the term “LTE” refers to, without limitation and asapplicable, any of the variants or Releases of the Long-Term Evolutionwireless communication standard, including LTE-U (Long Term Evolution inunlicensed spectrum), LTE-LAA (Long Term Evolution, Licensed AssistedAccess), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), and 4G/4.5G LTE.

As used herein, the term “memory” includes any type of integratedcircuit or other storage device adapted for storing digital dataincluding, without limitation, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, DRAM, SDRAM,(G)DDR/2/3/4/5/6 SDRAM, EDO/FPMS, RLDRAM, SRAM, “flash” memory (e.g.,NAND/NOR), 3D memory, stacked memory such as HBM/HBM2, and spin Ram,PSRAM.

As used herein, the terms “microprocessor” and “processor” or “digitalprocessor” are meant generally to include all types of digitalprocessing devices including, without limitation, digital signalprocessors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computers (RISC),general-purpose (CISC) processors, microprocessors, gate arrays (e.g.,FPGAs), PLDs, reconfigurable computer fabrics (RCFs), array processors,secure microprocessors, and application-specific integrated circuits(ASICs). Such digital processors may be contained on a single unitary ICdie, or distributed across multiple components.

As used herein, the terms “MSO” or “multiple systems operator” refer toa cable, satellite, or terrestrial network provider havinginfrastructure required to deliver services including programming anddata over those mediums.

As used herein, the terms “MNO” or “mobile network operator” refer to acellular, satellite phone, WMAN (e.g., 802.16), or other network serviceprovider having infrastructure required to deliver services includingwithout limitation voice and data over those mediums.

As used herein, the terms “network” and “bearer network” refer generallyto any type of telecommunications or data network including, withoutlimitation, hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks, satellite networks, telconetworks, and data networks (including MANs, WANs, LANs, WLANs,internets, and intranets). Such networks or portions thereof may utilizeany one or more different topologies (e.g., ring, bus, star, loop,etc.), transmission media (e.g., wired/RF cable, RF wireless, millimeterwave, optical, etc.) and/or communications or networking protocols(e.g., SONET, DOCSIS, IEEE Std.

802.3, ATM, X.25, Frame Relay, 3GPP, 3GPP2, LTE/LTE-A/LTE-U/LTE-LAA, 5GNR, WAP, SIP, UDP, FTP, RTP/RTCP, H.323, etc.).

As used herein, the term “network interface” refers to any signal ordata interface with a component or network including, withoutlimitation, those of the FireWire (e.g., FW400, FW800, etc.), USB (e.g.,USB 2.0, 3.0. OTG), Ethernet (e.g., 10/100, 10/100/1000 (GigabitEthernet), 10-Gig-E, etc.), MoCA, Coaxsys (e.g., TVnet™), radiofrequency tuner (e.g., in-band or OOB, cable modem, etc.),LTE/LTE-A/LTE-U/LTE-LAA, Wi-Fi (802.11), WiMAX (802.16), Z-wave, PAN(e.g., 802.15), or power line carrier (PLC) families.

As used herein the terms “5G” and “New Radio (NR)” refer withoutlimitation to apparatus, methods or systems compliant with any of 3GPPRelease 15-17, and any modifications, subsequent Releases, or amendmentsor supplements thereto which are directed to New Radio technology,whether licensed or unlicensed.

As used herein, the term “QAM” refers to modulation schemes used forsending signals over e.g., cable or other networks. Such modulationscheme might use any constellation level (e.g. 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM,etc.) depending on details of a network. A QAM may also refer to aphysical channel modulated according to the schemes.

As used herein, the term “quasi-licensed” refers without limitation tospectrum which is at least temporarily granted, shared, or allocated foruse on a dynamic or variable basis, whether such spectrum is unlicensed,shared, licensed, or otherwise. Examples of quasi-licensed spectruminclude without limitation CBRS, DSA, GOGEU TVWS (TV White Space), andLSA (Licensed Shared Access) spectrum.

As used herein, the term “SAS (Spectrum Access System)” refers withoutlimitation to one or more SAS entities which may be compliant with FCCPart 96 rules and certified for such purpose, including (i) Federal SAS(FSAS), (ii) Commercial SAS (e.g., those operated by private companiesor entities), and (iii) other forms of SAS.

As used herein, the term “server” refers to any computerized component,system or entity regardless of form which is adapted to provide data,files, applications, content, or other services to one or more otherdevices or entities on a computer network.

As used herein, the term “shared access” refers without limitation to(i) coordinated, licensed sharing such as e.g., traditional fixed linkcoordination in 70/80/90 GHz and the U.S. FCC's current rulemaking onpotential database-coordinated sharing by fixed point-to-multipointdeployments in the C-band (3.7-4.2 GHz); (ii) opportunistic, unlicenseduse of unused spectrum by frequency and location such as TV White Spaceand the U.S. FCC's proposal to authorize unlicensed sharing in theuplink C-band and other bands between 5925 and 7125 MHz; (iii) two-tierLicensed Shared Access (LSA) based on geographic areas and databaseassist such as e.g., within 3GPP LTE band 40 based on multi-year sharingcontracts with tier-one incumbents; and (iv) three-tier shared access(including quasi-licensed uses) such as CBRS, and other bands such ase.g., Bands 12-17 and 71.

As used herein, the term “storage” refers to without limitation computerhard drives, DVR device, memory, RAID devices or arrays, optical media(e.g., CD-ROMs, Laserdiscs, Blu-Ray, etc.), or any other devices ormedia capable of storing content or other information.

As used herein, the term “users” may include without limitation endusers (e.g., individuals, whether subscribers of the MSO network, theMNO network, or other), the receiving and distribution equipment orinfrastructure such as a CPE/FWA or CBSD, venue operators, third partyservice providers, or even entities within the MSO itself (e.g., aparticular department, system or processing entity).

As used herein, the term “Wi-Fi” refers to, without limitation and asapplicable, any of the variants of IEEE Std. 802.11 or related standardsincluding 802.11 a/b/g/n/s/v/ac/ad/ax/ay/ba/be or 802.11-2012/2013,802.11-2016, as well as Wi-Fi Direct (including inter alia, the “Wi-FiPeer-to-Peer (P2P) Specification”, incorporated herein by reference inits entirety).

As used herein, the term “wireless” means any wireless signal, data,communication, or other interface including without limitation Wi-Fi,Bluetooth/BLE, 3G (3GPP/3GPP2), HSDPA/HSUPA, TDMA, CBRS, CDMA (e.g.,IS-95A, WCDMA, etc.), FHSS, DSSS, GSM, PAN/802.15, WiMAX (802.16),802.20, Zigbee®, Z-wave, narrowband/FDMA, OFDM, PCS/DCS,LTE/LTE-A/LTE-U/LTE-LAA, 5G NR, LoRa, IoT-NB, SigFox, analog cellular,CDPD, satellite systems, millimeter wave or microwave systems, acoustic,and infrared (i.e., IrDA).

As used herein, the term “wireline” includes electrical and opticaltransmission media such as, without limitation, coaxial cable, CAT-5/6cable, and optical fiber.

As used herein, the term “xNB” refers to any 3GPP-compliant nodeincluding without limitation eNBs (eUTRAN) and gNBs (5G NR).

Overview

The present disclosure provides, inter alia, improved methods andapparatus for enhanced data traffic management for a base stationserving multiple different user devices within a wireless architecture,such as one using “quasi-licensed” spectrum provided by the recent CBRStechnology initiatives. Exemplary embodiments of the base stationapparatus and supporting methods described herein can advantageouslyprovide for more fair or equitable allocation of network resources forfixed wireless devices such as CBRS FWA units. In one variant, thebehavior of a packet scheduler of the base station is adjusted toprovide such fairness through randomization or “perturbation” of whatwould otherwise be a highly static channel quality reporting regime. Thedisclosed scheduler also operates so as to characterize each differentserved FWA in terms of its channel behavior (including statisticallyover time), and change downstream channel configuration (e.g., MCSvalues, transport block sizes, operating modes, etc.) so as to attemptto more completely utilize available channel capacity across all of theserved FWA devices. In some embodiments, this characterization data canalso be used by the base station in place of the traditional/constantCQI reporting by each FWA under extant 3GPP protocols, therebyalleviating each FWA (at least for periods of time) from gathering andreporting CQI data, and the connected base station from receiving andanalyzing the data for perhaps hundreds of FWA.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for determining an appropriate MCSfor a FWA based on its reported CQI values is provided. In one variant,the base station calculates a standard deviation of a plurality of CQIvalues reported from the FWA, and compares it to a threshold value.Based at least on the standard deviation being below the threshold value(indicative of a suitably stable RF environment at least on astatistical basis), the base station adjusts the MCS and/or otherconfiguration parameter(s) in order to determine whether maximum channelcapacity has been reached, or other factors such as e.g., an appropriatetransport block size to use for the DS data traffic.

The exemplary embodiments of the disclosure solve several salient issueswith current CBSD/xNB scheduler operation, including: (i) reduction ofthe time and resources consumed in scheduling for all users, throughcreation of one or more CQI distributions for each CPE, so that thesevalues at hand can be used to make better scheduling optimizations,rather than waiting for all CQI values from CPEs to be sent and to beavailable (or relying on transient data which may or may not berepresentative/accurate and which may lead to non-optimal schedulingdecisions); and (ii) scheduling transiently (e.g., TTI-to-TTI) versusscheduling on a “look ahead” bases for several increments (which leadsto better utilization of resources, since each CPE will be scheduled atleast some data).

Advantageously, the disclosed methods and apparatus can be utilized in avariety of wireless network topologies, which include, e.g., FWAdevices, as well as various types of base stations that supportdifferent types of radio access technologies (e.g., 3GPP 4G-LTE/5G-NR).The methods and apparatus described herein may also advantageously beextended to other licensed, non-licensed, or shared-access architectures(i.e., other than CBRS) such as for example DSA, LSA, and TVWS systems.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the presentdisclosure are now described in detail. While these exemplaryembodiments are described in the context of the previously mentionedbase station (e.g., 3GPP eNB or gNB), wireless premises devices usingunlicensed or quasi-licensed spectrum associated with e.g., a managednetwork (e.g., hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable architecture having amultiple systems operator (MSO), digital networking capability, IPdelivery capability, and a plurality of client devices), or a mobilenetwork operator (MNO), the general principles and advantages of thedisclosure may be extended to other types of radio access technologies(“RATs”), networks and architectures that are configured to deliverdigital data (e.g., text, images, games, software applications, videoand/or audio or voice). Such other networks or architectures may bebroadband, narrowband, or otherwise, the following therefore beingmerely exemplary in nature.

It will also be appreciated that while described generally in thecontext of a network providing service to a customer or consumer or enduser or subscriber (i.e., within a prescribed venue, or other type ofpremises), the present disclosure may be readily adapted to other typesof environments including, e.g., indoors, outdoors, commercial/retail,or enterprise domain (e.g., businesses), or even governmental uses, suchas those outside the proscribed “incumbent” users such as U.S. DoD andthe like. Yet other applications are possible.

Also, while certain aspects are described primarily in the context ofthe well-known Internet Protocol (described in, inter alia, InternetProtocol DARPA Internet Program Protocol Specification, IETF RCF 791(September 1981) and Deering et al., Internet Protocol, Version 6 (IPv6)Specification, IETF RFC 2460 (December 1998), each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety), it will beappreciated that the present disclosure may utilize other types ofprotocols.

Moreover, while some embodiments herein are described in terms of CBRSspectrum in the 3.5 GHz band (specifically 3,550 to 3,700 MHz), it willbe appreciated by those of ordinary skill when provided the presentdisclosure that the methods and apparatus described herein may beconfigured to utilize other “quasi licensed” or other spectrum,including without limitation DSA, LSA, or TVWS systems, and those above4.0 GHz (e.g., currently proposed allocations up to 4.2 GHz, and evenmillimeter wave bands such as those between 24 and 100 GHz), whetherlicensed, quasi-licensed or unlicensed.

Additionally, while some aspects of the present disclosure are describedin detail with respect to so-called “4G/4.5G” 3GPP Standards (akaLTE/LTE-A) and so-called 5G “New Radio” (3GPP Release 15 and TS 38.XXXSeries Standards and beyond), such aspects are generally accesstechnology “agnostic” and hence may be used across different accesstechnologies, and can be applied to, inter alia, any type of P2MP(point-to-multipoint) or MP2P (multipoint-to-point) technology,including e.g., Qualcomm Multefire. Other features and advantages of thepresent disclosure will immediately be recognized by persons of ordinaryskill in the art with reference to the attached drawings and detaileddescription of exemplary embodiments as given below.

Exemplary Network Architecture—

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a general network architectureconfigured for fair packet scheduling and management according to thepresent disclosure.

As illustrated, the exemplary network architecture 700 includes at leastone enhanced base station or BSe 702 (e.g., CBSDe/xNBe) connected to acore network 710, a plurality of CPEe 704 (e.g., FWAe devices), aplurality of respective wireless routers 706, and one or more clientdevices 708 connected to each wireless router 706. The CPEe may alsosupport (backhaul) other devices such as DSTBs, modems, local smallcells or access nodes, and IoT devices, not shown.

In one exemplary embodiment, the BSe 702 is connected wirelessly to eachCPEe 704. For example, a radio access technology such as 3GPP 4G-LTE or5G-NR can be used, in conjunction with the CBRS technology discussedelsewhere herein, to establish the wireless connection between the basestation 702 and the CPEe 704. Moreover, as referenced herein, differentspectrum (and types of spectrum) can be used consistent with thearchitecture 700, including e.g., ultra-high bandwidth mmWave as setforth in recent 3GPP 5G NR standards, and/or licensed sub-1 GHz spectrum(see FIGS. 5A and 5B), with CBRS spectrum being merely exemplary.

As illustrated, the BSe 702 may also serve mobile UE 139, or otherdevices not shown directly (versus service at a served premises by theCPEe or associated small cell, as shown in the diagram of Premises N inFIG. 7).

Each CPEe 704 is connected in the illustrated embodiment via cable suchas a CAT-5 cable to a wireless router 706 to provide a local areanetwork (WLAN) service for the connected devices 708. It may also beintegrated within e.g., the CPEe 704 as shown in the embodiment of FIG.9, discussed infra. A connected device 708 can be any device that canconnect to the wireless router 706 (e.g., via Wi-Fi connection), toconsume any type of data that can be transmitted through it. Examples ofthe connected devices 708 include but are not limited to a smartphone,tablet, a personal computer (including a laptop), a smart television, orUSB-based “stick” appliance. As discussed elsewhere herein, theconnected devices 708 can consume various different types of datatraffic generated for, e.g., web browsing, VoIP calling, videostreaming, etc., including simultaneously based on differentapplications operative on the client.

In one embodiment, the network components of the architecture 700 aremanaged by a common network operator (e.g., cable MSO), with the corenetwork 710 comprising a 3GPP EPC or 5GC serving core functions for aplurality of BSe 702 distributed throughout an operating area. Theindividual served premises may be within urban, suburban, or rural areasin varying densities, such as within an MDU (e.g., apartment building),enterprise campus, or distributed throughout broader areas.

Moreover, while one CPEe 704 is shown serving each premises, the variouspremises can be aggregated or “ganged” together such that one CPEeserves multiple premises users, such as where a single CPEe serves anapartment building or college dorm, with each individual user accounthaving its own wireless router 706 and other premises client deviceswith all being backhauled by a single CPEe. This may be the case ine.g., mmWave based installations which have extremely high bandwidth andbackhaul capability.

Enhanced Base Station (BSe)—

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment ofenhanced base station (B Se) apparatus configured for provision ofenhanced data traffic prioritization and scheduling functions accordingto the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the BSe of FIG.7 is specifically configured as a CBSD/xNB; i.e., (i) to operate usingCBRS quasi-licensed spectrum, and (ii) to utilize 3GPP 4G or 5Gtechnology.

As shown, the CBSDe/xNBe 702 includes, inter alia, a processor apparatusor subsystem 845, a program memory module 850, mass storage 848, one ormore network interfaces 856, as well as one or more radio frequency (RF)devices 831 having, inter alia, antenna(e) 821 and one or more 4G/5Gradio(s).

At a high level, the CBSDe/xNBe maintains a 3GPP-compliant LTE/LTE-A/5GNR “stack” (acting as a EUTRAN eNB or 5G gNB) communications with3GPP-compliant FWA 704, UEs (mobile devices 139), as well as any otherprotocols which may be required for use of the designated frequencybands such as e.g., CBRS GAA or PAL band.

As illustrated, the CBSDe/xNBe device 702 includes (i) channel analysisand characterization logic 851, (ii) packet scheduler logic, and (iii)configuration selection and storage logic 859, such as may be renderedin software or firmware operative to execute on the CBSDe processor(CPU) or a dedicated co-processor thereof.

The channel analysis and characterization logic 851, scheduler logic andselection/storage logic collectively include a variety of functionsincluding receipt and assembly of CQI or other similar channel qualitydata relating to the individual CPEe 704 (discussed in greater detailbelow), and characterization of each CPEe. The channel analysis logic isin one variant configured to analyze channel stability, such as toenable selection of a proper model for application of CQI-to-MCS mapping(e.g., one that is well adapted for slower changing FWA channelconditions). The selection logic is in one variant configured toevaluate CQI data values for purposes of selection of other parameterssuch as the temporal period (T) discussed below, number of MCS “steps”to use in certain conditions or CQI data patterns, etc. Moreover, thelogic 859, 851 is also configured to evaluate feedback data obtainedfrom individual CPEe as part of the MCS iteration operations (discussedbelow) which enable the CBSDe 702 to converge on an optimal transmitterconfiguration, such as to maximize data rate.

Additionally, the logic 851, 858, 859 further includes processing tosupport (i) association of particular CQI and feedback data withindividual CPEe (each of which may vary from CPEe to CPEe due to e.g.,differences in location, physical interferers, noise, etc.), and (ii)storage of CPEe-specific MCS or other transmitter configuration datawithin the designated CBSDe storage so as to permit “customized”configurations for each different FWAe.

Moreover, in one implementation, the MCS or other configuration data foreach individual CPEe can be broken down on an operating mode orconfiguration basis; e.g., values to be used for when certain MIMO orspatial multiplexing modes are utilized between that CPEe and the CBSDe.

Also, the logic 851, 858, 859 may be configured selectively adjust theTransport Block Size (TB S), such as according to the selected MCSvalue.

In yet another variant, the logic 851 of the CBSDe may be configured toreceive “raw” or constituent ingredient data for the CQI determinationfor a given CPEe from that CPEe, and conduct the CQI determination basedthereon (rather than having the CPEe itself calculate CQI). Forinstance, the CPEe logic 906 (discussed below) may be configured toreturn RSRP or similar power measurements, and any other “CPEe-specific”data that may be required, back to the CBSDe such as via an upstreamcontrol channel IE (information element), wherein the CBSDe thendetermines CQI. This determined CQI value may also be transmitted to therelevant CPEe if needed/desired, such as via a downlink control channel.

Yet other variants of the CBSDe logic 859 may be configured toselectively alter other parameters that can be used to optimize channelthroughput, such as selective invocation of spatial multiplexing orspatial diversity, where the CPEe and the physical channels can supportit.

Further, the channel analysis logic 851 is configured in someembodiments to generate/utilize path loss models for channel conditionsbetween a given CPEe and the CBSDe. These models may be used for exampleto project initial channel conditions and select MCS, TBS, and/or otherparameters such as initial transmitter power.

In the exemplary embodiment, the processor 845 may include one or moreof a digital signal processor, microprocessor, field-programmable gatearray, GPU or plurality of processing components mounted on one or moresubstrates. The processor 805 may also comprise an internal cachememory, and is in communication with a memory subsystem 850, which cancomprise, e.g., SRAM, flash and/or SDRAM components. The memorysubsystem may implement one or more of DMA type hardware, so as tofacilitate data accesses as is well known in the art. The memorysubsystem of the exemplary embodiment contains computer-executableinstructions which are executable by the processor. Other embodimentsmay implement such functionality within dedicated hardware, logic,and/or specialized co-processors (not shown).

The RF antenna(s) 821 are configured to detect and transceive signalsfrom radio access technologies (RATs) in the service area or venue withwhich the CBSDe/xNBe 702 is associated. For example, LTE (including,e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-U, LTE-LAA) signals may be used as the basis ofcommunication between the CBSD/xNBe and the various mobile devices(e.g., UEs 139) or FWA 704. The antenna(s) 821 may include multiplespatially diverse individual elements in e.g., a MIMO- or MISO-typeconfiguration, such that spatial diversity of the transceived signalscan be utilized for e.g., increase in coverage area. Spatialmultiplexing (SM) may also be utilized by the xNBe 702 to enhance datathroughput; i.e., by multiplexing data streams on different antennae.

In the exemplary embodiment, the radio interface(s) 831 comprise one ormore LTE/5G-based radios compliant with 3GPP. Additional unlicensed,licensed, or quasi-licensed air interfaces may also be used within theXNBe 702, including e.g., non-CBRS band LTE or 5G NR, or others.Moreover, the LTE radio functionality may be extended to incipient3GPP-based 5G NR protocols; e.g., at maturation of LTE deployment andwhen 5G NR-enabled handsets or FWA are fielded, such adaptation beingaccomplished by those of ordinary skill given the contents of thepresent disclosure. As a brief aside, NG-RAN or “NextGen RAN (Radio AreaNetwork)” is part of the 3GPP “5G” next generation radio system. 3GPP iscurrently specifying Release 17 NG-RAN, its components, and interactionsamong the involved nodes including so-called “gNBs” (next generationNode B's or eNBs). NG-RAN will provide very high-bandwidth, verylow-latency (e.g., on the order of 1 ms or less “round trip”) wirelesscommunication and efficiently utilize, depending on application, bothlicensed and unlicensed spectrum of the type described supra in a widevariety of deployment scenarios, including indoor “spot” use, urban“macro” (large cell) coverage, rural coverage, use in vehicles, and“smart” grids and structures. NG-RAN will also integrate with 4G/4.5Gsystems and infrastructure, and moreover new LTE entities are used(e.g., an “evolved” LTE eNB or “eLTE eNB” which supports connectivity toboth the EPC (Evolved Packet Core) and the NR “NGC” (Next GenerationCore).

The RF radios 831 in one embodiment comprises a digitally controlled RFtuner capable of reception of signals via the RF front end (receivechain) of the RF radio(s) in the aforementioned bands, including in onevariant simultaneous reception (e.g., both CBRS 3.550 to 3.700 GHz and2.300 to 2.500 GHz, bands, CBRS and 600 to 800 MHz bands, or Band 71 andBand 12/17 in another configuration). In another variant, mmWavefrequencies (e.g., 42-100 GHz) may be used by the air interface(s),especially in applications where direct LOS transmission is possible. Incases where the CBSDe 702 includes multiple such interfaces, they mayalso be “traded off” or used selectively with certain constituent CPEe,such as where a mmWave band interface is used to service some CPEe, andan LTE or similar interface is used for other CPEe, such as based ontheir reported bandwidth requirements, presence of LOS or physicalobstructions between the CBSDe and the CPEe, etc. It will be appreciatedthat due to its very high theoretical data rate, mmWave-enabledapplications may benefit less from the techniques described herein thansay a comparable 4G or 4.5G (LTE-A) CPEe (unless very heavily loaded),and as such the CBSDe may selectively implement the methodologiesdescribed herein only for the latter in one variant.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary implementation ofthe enhanced base station (e.g., xNBe) of FIG. 8, illustrating differentantenna and transmit/receive chains thereof.

As illustrated, the device 702 a includes baseband processor 865, one ormore D/A 869, one or more RF front ends 871, one or more poweramplifiers 873, channel analysis and characterization logic 866,scheduler logic 867, and configuration selection and storage logic 868,with comparable functionality to that described previously with respectto FIG. 8. Additionally, the exemplary embodiment includes a networkinterface 863 that interfaces the xNBe to connect to a data network viae.g., a CM 125, such as for wireline backhaul of the CBSDe to an MSOcore or headend.

The components of xNBe 702 a shown in FIG. 8A may be individually orpartially implemented in software, firmware or hardware. The RF frontend 871 includes RF circuits to operate in e.g., licensed,quasi-licensed or unlicensed spectrum (e.g., Band 71, Bands 12-17, NR-U,C-Band, CBRS bands, mmWave, etc.). The digital baseband signalsgenerated by the baseband processor 705 are converted from digital toanalog by D/As 869. The front-end modules 871 convert the analogbaseband signals radio received from D/As 869 to RF signals to betransmitted on the antennas. The baseband processor 865 includesbaseband signal processing and radio control functions, including in onevariant physical layer and Layer 2 functions such as media accesscontrol (MAC). The Power Amplifiers (PA) 773 receives the RF signal fromRF front ends, and amplify the power high enough to compensate for pathloss in the propagation environment.

It will also be appreciated that the individual transmitter/receiverchains of e.g., the device 702 a of FIG. 8A may be controlleddifferently than others with respect to configuration (e.g., MCS) basedon channel conditions. For instance, in 2 x spatial multiplexingconfiguration (e.g., two antenna elements transmitting different datastreams), the physical channels between the two different antennaelements and the receiving CPEe antenna element(s) may conceivably bedifferent, and hence one chain might use an MCS (and/or otherconfiguration parameter such as TBS) different than the other.Similarly, one chain may use different values of parameters, and evendifferent feedback data type or periodicity. Similar logic may beapplied for spatial diversity configurations which enhance coveragearea.

As such, individual transmitter/receiver channels and chains may be“tuned” or optimized by the logic of the CBSDe so as to achieve bestdata rate given the individual environment of each, or achieve othergoals such as greater scheduler fairness as described in detailelsewhere herein.

CPEe Apparatus—

FIG. 9 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of an enhanced CPE 704(here, configured as a CBRS FWAe; e.g., roof-mounted or façade-mountedFWA with associated radio head and CPEe electronics) configuredaccording to the present disclosure.

It will also be appreciated that while described in the context of aCBRS-compliant FWA, the device of FIG. 9 may be readily adapted to otherspectra and/or technologies such as e.g., mmWave, Multefire, DSA, LSA,or TVWS.

In one exemplary embodiment as shown, the FWAe 704 includes, inter alia,a processor apparatus or subsystem such as a CPU 902, flash memory orother mass storage 904, a program memory module 910 with CQI computationand related logic 906, 4G baseband processor module 916 with 4G/4.5Gstack 918, 5G baseband processor module 912 with 5G NR stack 914 (herealso implemented as software or firmware operative to execute on theprocessor), one or more backend interfaces 908 (e.g., USB, GbE, etc.),power module 932 (which may include the aforementioned PoE injectordevice), a WLAN/BLE module 934 with integrated WLAN router and antennae936, and 5G wireless radio interface 920 and 4G/4.5G radio interface 926for communications with the relevant RANs (e.g., 5G-NR RAN and 4G/4.5GRAN) respectively, and ultimately the EPC or NG Core 710 as applicable.

The RF interfaces 920, 926 are configured to comply with the relevantPHY standards which each supports, and include an RF front end 922, 928and antenna(s) elements 924, 930 tuned to the desired frequencies ofoperation (e.g., adapted for operation in 3.55-3.70 GHz band, 5 GHz forthe LTE/LTE-A bands, C-Band, NR-U bands, mmWave bands, etc.). Each ofthe UE radios may include multiple spatially diverse individual elementsin e.g., a MIMO- or MISO-type configuration, such that spatial diversityof the received signals can be utilized. Beamforming and “massive MIMO”may also be utilized within the logic of the FWAe device.

In one embodiment, the various processor apparatus 902, 912, 916 mayinclude one or more of a digital signal processor, microprocessor,field-programmable gate array, GPU, or plurality of processingcomponents mounted on one or more substrates. For instance, an exemplaryQualcomm Snapdragon x50 5G modem may be used consistent with thedisclosure as the basis for the 5G BB processor 912.

The various BB processor apparatus may also comprise an internal cachememory, and a modem.

The program memory module 910 may implement one or more of direct memoryaccess (DMA) type hardware, so as to facilitate data accesses as is wellknown in the art. The memory module of the exemplary embodiment containsone or more computer-executable instructions that are executable by theCPU processor apparatus 902.

In this and various embodiments, the processor subsystem/CPU 902 isconfigured to execute at least one computer program stored in programmemory 910 (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium). Aplurality of computer programs/firmware are used and are configured toperform various functions such as communication with relevant functionalmodules within the FWAe 704 such as the radio head and WLAN/BLE module934.

Other embodiments may implement the CQI logic 906 functionality withindedicated hardware, logic, and/or specialized co-processors (not shown).In another embodiment, the module logic 906 is integrated with the CPUprocessor 902 (e.g., via on-device local memory, or via execution on theprocessor of externally stored code or firmware).

In some embodiments, the FWAe 704 also utilizes memory or other storageconfigured to hold a number of data relating to e.g., the variousnetwork/gNBe configurations for CQI generation and/or various modes. Forinstance, the FWAe 704 may recall data relating to SINR to CQI mappingused with a given gNBe 702 or RAN from storage. This functionality canbe useful for example when the FWAe is disposed at a locationpotentially served by several different CBSDe 702; in the case where agiven CBSDe or wireless channel associated therewith becomes unavailableor non-optimized for whatever reason, the FWAe can selectively transferto another serving (candidate) CBSDe, including recall of prior channelquality data obtained therefrom as at least a starting point for furtheroptimization of the then-current wireless channel. Likewise, in the casewhere an antenna element or elements is/are moved for whatever reason(e.g., the premises installation is changed), prior data for the same ordifferent CBSDe can be used by the FWAe during post-change optimization.

In some variants, the FWAe may also be configured to utilize actualpacket throughput data (e.g., an application such as “iPerf” fordetermining actual data throughput versus lower-layer processes such asbased on BER/PER, etc.). In effect, the FWAe can utilize operatingprocesses such as applications obtaining streaming data on the DL toassess or “second check” the optimization by the CBSDe. For instance,the CBSDe may select a given MCS level and/or TBS for a given FWAe basedon the processes described herein (i.e., CQI determination, andsubsequent feedback to the CBSDe from the FWAe). However, for variousreasons, that “optimized” MCS and/or TBS value selection may conceivablynot produce the best data throughput for the target application, andhence the iPerf data may be also fed back to the CBSDe logic 859 so thatthe CBSDe may understand the UP (user plane) data implications of thelower-layer changes it is making.

As discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, the FWAe (e.g., via theCQI logic 906 or other logic) may perform at least portions ofstatistical analysis of its collected and/or generated channel data. Forinstance, in one variant, the FWAe performs a standard deviation orvariance analysis on (i) the RSRP or other power measurements it obtainsfrom a given CBSDe over time; (ii) the SINR values generated; and (iii)the resulting CQI values. This data can be stored locally on the CPEe,and periodically updated as new data is obtained. Moreover, this data orselect portions thereof can be transmitted upstream to e.g., the servingBSe 702, such as via control channel IE's, or via IP packets generatedby the CPEe logic and transmitted to a particular socket or portassociated with the CBSDe. Conversely, the raw data may simply beassembled and transmitted to the CBSDe or other network process forfurther analysis and utilization thereby.

In yet another variant, the CPEe/FWAe 704 may include logic whichcharacterizes its own responses or feedback, such as for transmissionupstream to the CBSDe or other network process. For example, whereACK/NACK issuance is used as a basis for feedback, the CPEe logic 906may gather statistics on e.g., the number and timing of such responses,including as a function of other parameters such as TBS and/or MCSselected by the CBSDe 702. In one such variant, a statisticalcharacterization of ACK/NACK data is generated for different MCS levels(and TBS values) and stored in local memory. This stored data can beused to characterize then-current response/feedback data, such as viacomparison of σ/σ² for the two data sets, to determine if a givenMCS/CQI correspondence has changed over time, such as due to thephysical channel changing in some fundamental manner. For instance, agreater or lesser a for current feedback data (or iPerf throughputmeasured at the higher layers) versus historical characterization datafor a given MCS level/TB S combination may be indicative of a permanentchange in the RF path environment.

Moreover, as described in greater detail below, the CPEe CQI logic mayalso be configured to adjust reporting parameters associated with itsCQI data transmissions to the CBSDe, such as changes in the periodicityor instigating events associated with such transmissions.

Methodology—

Various methods and embodiments thereof for enhancing fairness utilizingadaptive channel quality (e.g., CQI) and randomization techniquesaccording to the present disclosure are now described with respect toFIGS. 10-12.

Exemplary Methods—

Methods for managing channel configuration and data traffic schedulingaccording the present disclosure are now described with respect to FIGS.10-11C.

Referring now to FIG. 10, one embodiment of a generalized methodology1000 for characterizing and managing data traffic (e.g., for DL trafficfrom a base station to CPEe/FWAe) is shown and described.

At step 1002, first channel performance or quality data related to agiven CPEe 704 is received. For example, the CQI value determined by agiven CPEe can be reported to the BSe. As described elsewhere herein,the exemplary CQI value is indicative of a communication channel qualitybeing experienced by the CPEe. The CQI value reports can be periodic, oraperiodic (including event-driven). For example, periodic CQI valuereports can initially be made, e.g., every 120 ms from a particularCPEe, prior to any suspension invoked by the BSe as discussed below. Inone variant, the aperiodic CQI value reports are made only when there isa comparatively rapid change in the channel conditions (e.g., ascompared to statistical CQI data obtained for the CPEe 704 as describedelsewhere herein, or other criteria). Changes in CQI reporting to theBSe can be made proactively by the CPEe (e.g., based on indigenous CQIlogic 906 discussed below), based on directives from the BSe (e.g.,transmitted on a DS control channel from the BSe based on CQI or otherdata received by the BSe), or combinations of the foregoing.

At step 1004, one or more prescribed metrics can be calculated based onthe received first data (e.g., the CQI value data). For example, themetric may be a standard deviation of the received CQI values for aparticular CPEe, and/or a plurality of CPEe, as discussed in greaterdetail below.

At step 1006, the calculated metric(s) (e.g., the standard deviation) ofthe received first data can be evaluated or compared to a prescribedcriteria, such as threshold value. In one variant, the prescribedthreshold value may be determined by a network operator (e.g., MSOoperating the small-cell network) based on how much variation in thereported CQI values from the CPEe/FWAe can be deemed sufficient for (i)introduction of randomization into the MCS levels/CQI values asdiscussed subsequently herein, and/or (ii) a determination that such CQIvalues would ensure diversity/“fairness” in the DS data traffic to theCPEe/FWAe relative to other CPEe/FWAe connected to the base station. Forinstance, a low level of CQI variation (and hence a statistically“narrower” distribution of CQI values for a given CPEe) is indicative ofgreater physical channel stability, and hence ostensibly a greater needfor randomization/fairness.

At step 1008, based at least on the result of the evaluation describedwith respect to step 1006, the configuration of the BSe or portionsthereof associated with the channel can be adjusted. For example, theMCS value and/or TBS associated with data transmission to the CPEe canbe adjusted based on the reported CQI values.

In one variant (see discussion of FIGS. 11-11C below), the MCS/TBS valueassociated with the particular CPEe/FWAe under consideration can beincreased to see if the CPEe/FWAe can successfully receive or decodedata traffic transmitted using such value(s). As used in the presentcontext, the term “successfully” may include any number of differentpossible criteria, including e.g., (i) error-less decode, (ii) decode toa prescribed maximum allowable level of error (e.g., BER/PER≤10 E-18 orsome other value), (iii) decode after a prescribed number of retries or“NACK” transmissions, (iv) receipt associated with a suitable level ofpacket data throughput (such as measured by an iPerf process on theCPEe), or any number of other metrics relating generally to the conceptof meeting a prescribed level of performance or task completion.

At step 1010, a schedule for the (e.g. DS) data traffic transmission tothe CPEe/FWAe can be determined by the scheduler process logic 858 (FIG.8). For example, increasing the MCS level of the DS data traffic for agiven CPEe/FWAe (and in some cases contemporaneously and/or subsequentlyadjusting the MCS value/DS data traffic priority for other CPEe/FWAe)can ensure a certain level of diversity/“fairness” is achieved withrespect to the DS data traffic to a number of CPE/FWA, since eachCPEe/FWAe will to some degree be “pushed” by the CBSDe logic to makebetter utilization of its available physical channel (whatever that maybe). Referring now to FIG. 11, one implementation of the generalizedmethodology 1000 of FIG. 10 is shown and described.

At step 1102, as described above, CQI values for each connectedCPEe/FWAe can be received. For example, the CQI values can be receivedat prescribed time intervals, and they would indicate then-currentstatus of the communication channel quality being experienced by theCPEe/FWAe at its given location.

At step 1104, a prescribed number of CQI values are utilized tocalculate a standard deviation of the CQI values for a particularCPEe/FWAe. The standard deviation can be utilized to determine, amongother things, how much variation is observed in the reported CQI values,and hence the relative stability of the channel, or a larger populationof channels. As discussed in greater detail subsequently herein, a highstandard deviation would indicate a high level of variation in thereported CQI values (representative of, e.g., fluctuating RF environmentsurrounding a given CPEe), while a low standard deviation would indicatea low level of variation; e.g., static RF environment surroundings theCPEe. For a CPEe/FWAe which is, e.g., installed in a rural area (anetwork edge), a low standard deviation may indicate a low variationbeing observed in the RF conditions surrounding the CPEe/FWAe. When thevariation in the RF conditions is low, resulting in a low variation inthe CQI values reported to the base station, there would be littlevariation in the DS data traffic from the base station to the CPEe/FWAedevice in terms of the MCS (and ultimately the scheduler the prioritylevel) associated with the DS data transmission. Thus, the CPEe/FWAe maycontinue to be assigned a similar MCS and a similar priority of DS datatransmission from its connected base station, which would mean that theUE connected to such CPEe/FWAe may continue to experience a particularlevel of data services (which would be consistently higher/lower, theconsistency resulting in the lack of diversity/“fairness” among variousUE as described supra). Hence, the variability of the CQI for a givenCPEe/FWAe can be used as a determinant of whether that device issusceptible to such “stagnant” channel conditions and prioritizationwithin the BSe scheduler algorithms.

Other metrics of possible utility in such determinations may includee.g., statistical variance, correlation to various other events orparameters (e.g., traffic loading of other nearby CPEe, time of day, dayof week, particular scheduled or unscheduled events such as weatherphenomena), and similar which may allow the BSe (or a proxy nodethereof, such as a cloud analytics process operated by the MSO or athird party) to more accurately characterize each particular CPEe.

Moreover, the CQI data for a given CPEe can be evaluated and correlatedwith similar data for other CPEe, such as those geographically nearby,those in similar installation configuration (e.g., façade-mounted FWAeused in urban areas on MDUs or apartment buildings, pole- orroof-mounted FWAe in low density rural areas, etc.).

Another metric of utility in some implementations is the rate of CQIchange experienced by a given CPEe. For instance, two hypothetical setsof CQI data for a given CPEe channel may have the same statistical σ orσ′, yet exhibit very different characteristics in terms of rate of CQIchange as a function of time. Rapid transients in CQI may be indicativeof certain natural or man-made phenomenon, such as e.g., vehicles orother objects moving rapidly through at least part of the RF propagationpath, fast-moving weather phenomenon such as thunderstorms, energizationand de-energization of RF interferers, or even loose or “wobbly” antennaelements on the CPEe. Conversely, slower rates of CQI change may beassociated with slower weather phenomena, foliage growth, constructionof buildings or billboards, etc.

Similarly, analysis of the repetition or frequency of such transientscan be useful in characterizing e.g., RF path stability. If thetransients are infrequent and seemingly randomly distributed in time,this may be indicative of a phenomenon which is spurious/unpredictable.Conversely, highly regular changes in CQI which have associated largemagnitude swings tend to indicate man-made sources such as radar orother such radiators.

Returning again to FIG. 11, at step 1106, the measured metric(s) is/arecompared to the associated criterion/criteria; e.g., in this example,standard deviation associated with the CQI values for the particularCPEe/FWAe is compared against a prescribed threshold level, the latterbased on e.g., historical analysis of data relating to a pool orplurality of CPE/FWA, the individual CPEe/FWAe itself, or combinationsthereof. For example, the MSO may accumulate dta over time indicatingthat below a given σ, the “stagnant” prioritization within the scheduleris minimized or does not occur (i.e., CQI variations aresignificant/frequent enough to perturb the statistical processessufficiently that a given CPEe/FWAe is not resigned to long periods ofover- or under-performance).

At step 1108, if the measured standard deviation is lower than theprescribed threshold level per the comparison at step 1106, the MCSvalue assigned for the CPEe/FWAe based at least on the reported CQIvalues can be adjusted. In one implementation, based on reported CQIfrom the CPEe/FWAe, the CBSDe selects the optimum modulation level, orMCS level using the CQI curve for each individual CPEe (the curve isimplicitly an MCS curve). Hence, the CBSDe has an individualized MCScurve for each CPEe in the network. For example, a particular MCS value(indicating a prescribed MCS and priority level to be associated withthe DS data transmission to the CPEe/FWAe via the BSe scheduler)associated with the CQI reported by the CPEe/FWAe (according to themapping table discussed elsewhere herein) can be perturbed; e.g.,increased to a higher MCS value associated with a higher CQI than thereported CQI. If the prevailing value of MCS is too low (i.e., beforeadjustment), then the increase of MCS and/or TBS per step 1108 willoften not cause the channel to be overloaded (depending on the proximityof the prevailing MCS/TBS to the actual channel limits). Conversely, ifthe prior channel MCS was too high, the feedback loop describedelsewhere herein would generally tend to push the MCS/TBS lower untilthe feedback criterion was met (i.e., no NACKs received by BSe aftertransmission to CPEe/FWAe), and hence the methodology of FIG. 11presumes that the starting MCS per step 1108 is generally commensuratewith a level below channel (physical) capacity, and hence increases MCSand/or TBS on its initial “try”.

At step 1110, the MCS value can be further adjusted based at least onany feedback data (e.g., retransmission requests) from the CPEe/FWAe.See the discussion related to FIG. 11C presented infra for more detailson exemplary implementations of this step.

At step 1112, the scheduler can be updated with latest CQI valuesassociated with the MCS/TBS values generated by the algorithm. Forexample, in one approach, the algorithm is allowed to sufficiently“settle out” in terms on converging on a given MCS/TBS for a givenCPEe/FWEe (and hence its associated changed CQI value). Only after thealgorithm has converged on such value with a given level stability forthe given device (e.g., rate of MCS and/or TBS adjustment is below aprescribed threshold) is the new data fed to the scheduler (whichchanges the prioritization for that CPEe/FWAe). Alternatively, inanother approach, the plurality of CPEe/FWEe are treated as an ensemble,and convergence of all or a prescribed number of CPEe/FWAe within thepool/ensemble on a sufficiently stable value is a precondition fortransmission of new CQI updates to the scheduler. Yet other approacheswill be recognized by those of ordinary skill given the presentdisclosure.

At step 1114, a CQI randomization process for subsequent DS datatransmission(s) can be performed, such as to periodically perturb thesystem/scheduler and determine whether any additional throughput orstability gains can be made. See the discussion related to FIG. 11B formore details on exemplary implementations of this step.

Referring now to FIG. 11A, one particular implementation of the scheduledetermination methodology (step 1112) of FIG. 11 is shown and describedin detail.

At step 1115 of the method of FIG. 11A, the enhanced scheduler collectsall CQI values from all CPEe in the network which its serves or isconnected to. This may include for example collection via normal CQIcollection means present in extant 3GPP protocols, and may also beconducted over a period of time (e.g., to collect multiple values foreach CPEe). The scheduler may also utilize historical data if availablefor such purposes (such as that stored on a local or accessible cloudstorage device).

Next, at step 1116, the scheduler calculates a metric such as a DecisionMetric (DM) for each CPEe. The decision metric is used to make decisionsregarding the “owner” of next resource block (RB) or group of resourceblocks to be scheduled. An example decision metric (for a proportionalfair scheduler) is shown in Eqn. (1), although other approaches may beused consistent with the present disclosure:

DM_(n) =k*CQI_(n) /T _(n)  Eqn. (1)

where:

k is a proportionality constant (as required;

n is the index of the CPEe being evaluated; and

T is the average amount of data throughput sent to CPEe_(n) until thetime of the DM calculation.

Hence, for FWAe with high CQI values (e.g., physically proximate to theBSe), as the amount of data they consume in the DL increases, their DMdecreases, tending to weight them less heavily. Conversely, “starved”FWAe with lower CQI but also lower values of T will tend to be elevatedin DM as they receive less data throughput over the measurement period.

It will be appreciated that while a generally proportional relationshipis shown in Eqn. (1), other approaches can be used. For instance, thedetermination of DM for a given FWAe may be implemented as a step-wiseor discontinuous function, such as where membership of the FWAe in agiven CQI class or tier determines at least in part its ultimate DM. Forexample, a set of three (3) FWAe which are generally comparable in rangeto the serving BSe and which have relatively comparable CQI mightcomprise a first tier, with three other FWAe that are distant from theBSe having significantly lower CQI (generally comparable to one another)constituting another tier, this latter tier having a more aggressivelyweighted DM calculation associated therewith so as to more evenlybalance data throughput members of that tier with that of the firsttier. In another variant, the data throughput (T) can be used to scalethe DM value calculation; when a given FWAe achieves a given level ofaverage throughput for example, it is then algorithmically “back seated”relative to more starved FWAe at least until a general parity inthroughput is achieved over a prescribed measurement period. Yet otherschemes will be recognized by those of ordinary skill given the presentdisclosure.

Next, when the calculations of DM values for each FWAe in the pool beingconsidered (which may be all or a subset of connected/served FWAe) iscompleted per step 1117, at step 1118, the enhanced scheduler ranks theDM values calculated in step 1115 (which may be performed iteratively,or on a periodic basis). In one variant, the DM calculated for each CPEeis ranked from largest to smallest magnitude. In another approach, theDM values are put into prescribed bins or buckets (each comprising agiven range, each range which may be linear or non-linear as a functionof DM), with a population of DM values in each bucket used as a basisfor further selection. For instance, in one variant, if there is apredominant distribution of FWAe DM values at one end of the scale(e.g., most are in the lowest or a lower “bucket”), then they arecollectively de-prioritized (according to a prescribed scheme, such asrandom selection within that bucket) over those with higher DM values,or vice versa. In another variant, FWAe having DM values in a commonbucket are selected according to a round-robin, randomized, or othersuch approach.

At step 1119, the enhanced scheduler assigns the all available resourceblocks to the ranked CPEe, starting in one configuration from the CPEewith highest DM to that with the lowest DM.

Per step 1120, the scheduler utilizes the RB assignments and sends datato the CPEe with the highest DM first, and other CPEe thereafter. In oneimplementation, the scheduler is configured to empty the databuffer/queue of the then-serviced CPEe before utilizing RBs for otherCPEe.

In one variant, if there are no resources left to be scheduled (step1121), those CPEe with the lowest associated DM values or prioritieswill wait for a next scheduling opportunity (step 1122) in succession.This will increase the delay for those CPEe.

It will also be recognized that in the exemplary embodiment, theenhanced scheduler solely schedules resource blocks (RBs) in thenetwork, with the RBs comprising two dimensional resources (both timeand frequency). Hence, the scheduler may schedule blocks on the samecarrier(s) or different carrier(s) for the same CPEe, depending onavailability of resources.

In some variants of the method, the scheduler repeats the foregoingprocess at each TTI (e.g., 1 msec.). As noted elsewhere herein, thehigher the number of CPEe serviced, the more the computations thatscheduler will perform since scheduler has to calculate DMs for eachCPEe in the network in 1 msec, since the next data transmission viaassigned RBs will happen within the next 1 msec. However, since theenhanced scheduler is able to obtain CQI values for each CPEe (aftercollection of sufficient data) directly from the stored distribution,rather than actual continuous reporting, the foregoing process issimplified over that of prior art schedulers.

Moreover, as previously indicated, in some embodiments, the schedulercan extrapolate or calculate RB allocations for several TTIs insuccession, thereby obviating per-TTI determinations. For instance, thescheduler may determine the allocations for 2, 3, 5 or 10 TTI intervals(or based on other values) at each calculation increment, therebyreducing the calculation overhead proportionately. These values can bereliably projected due in part to high relative channel stability acrossthe served CPEe.

Referring now to FIG. 11B, one particular implementation of the CQIperturbation (e.g., randomization) methodology (step 1114) of FIG. 11 isshown and described in detail.

At step 1123, a CQI (and MCS) distribution for each “connected”CPEe/FWAe is determined. It will be appreciated that statistics may begathered on CPEe/FWAe that are not then connected per se, but ratheropportunistically as they are connected. For instance, a given CPEe/FWAemay be connected at one time, not connected at another, and thenreconnect later, but notwithstanding its RF data while connected isuseful in determining the statistical distributions of step 1123.

In one implementation, a data structure such as a local (BSe) databasecan be utilized to maintain a CQI distribution (of reported CQI valuesfrom each connected CPEe/FWAe) and MCS distribution (of either mapped oradjusted MCS values for each connected CPEe/FWAe). The adjusted MCSvalues may be based on, e.g., the increase (and further adjustment)discussed with respect to steps 1126-1128.

In one variant, the statistical data for each CPEe/FWAe is furtherprocessed to identify a CQI value representative for that CPEe/FWAe,such as via calculation of a moving mean or median value within aprescribed window of time. In another variant, a linear or otherregression analysis is performed on the data (by the BSe or a connectednetwork process such as a controller) in order to characterize thechannel between the BSe and the CPEe/FWAe over the prescribed period oftime.

Hence, based on the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the exemplaryalgorithms used by the BSe in characterizing each CPEe/FWAe may assesseach of (i) stability or rate of change of CQI, and (ii) deviation orvariance of the data (indicating how tightly grouped the data is overtime, irrespective of rates or frequency of change) if desired.

At step 1124, each connected CPEe/FWAe may be instructed not to send anymore CQI values when one or more suspension criteria met.

For example, a given CPEe/FWAe may be provided a message to stop sendingCQI values for a given period of time, or the base station can determineto ignore the CQI values from any CPEe/FWAe after a given point in time.The former option is generally more desirable from the standpoint ofminimizing upstream CQI data transmissions and associatedoverhead/processing, but the latter option affords the ability ofnon-enhanced CPEe/FWAe to be serviced (e.g., those that may not haveupgraded firmware which enables receipt and implementation of thesuspension message from the BSe).

In one variant, the timing associated with such stoppage may be based onfor example a period of time for which the measured standard deviationof the reported CQI values has been consistently lower than a prescribedthreshold (e.g., on a moving average basis), and/or based on rate ofchange of CQI over a prescribed period of time (i.e., lower rates ofchange tend to indicate longer periods of suspension can be supported).In another variant, the timing and the duration of such stoppage may bearbitrary, e.g., randomized, or according to the setting by a networkoperator (for example based on one or more policies). The suspensionsmay also be tied to operational factors such as individual CPEe/FWAe orBSe loading (e.g., to minimize upstream bandwidth consumption underheavily loaded conditions, assuming sufficient statistics are present),or event-driven (e.g., when an event which historically or undermodeling indicates that a salient change in channel conditions may occuror has occurred, such as a maintenance event on the CPEe or BSe whichmight affect antenna element alignment and require “recalibration”).

At step 1125, the algorithm waits for either a given period of time oruntil an event such as those described previously triggers amodification or adjustment to CQI/MCS or TBS for a given CPEe/FWAe perstep 1126. For instance, the CQI value(s) associated with one or moreconnected CPEe/FWAe according to the generated CQI distribution areperturbed (increased) after expiry of the period or event occurrence. Inone implementation, at predetermined time intervals, the one or moreCPEe/FWAe that are then “suspended” for CQI can be selected at random,and the CQI value(s) associated with the selected CPEe/FWAe can beincreased. The increase may in one instance be selected based on thecharacterization/statistical distribution for that CPEe/FWAe previouslygenerated; e.g., by purposely selecting a “data outlier” from thestatistical distribution. For instance, if the historical distributionof a given CPEe/FWAe has a σ=σ₁, the perturbation algorithm of FIG. 11Bmay select a perturbation value at N×σ₁ (e.g., 2× or 3×) to be used withthe scheduler logic for at least a period of time, such as until steps1127 and 1128 discussed below are completed and the CQI converges on anew value (which may or may not be different than the CQI at time ofsuspension for the CPEe/FWAe).

The perturbed (e.g., increased) CQI values can be mapped to higher MCSvalues, e.g., per mapping according to the tables from the 3GPP TS36.213 as discussed elsewhere herein, or other MSO-derived mappings. Theincreased MCS value (and also the increased transport block size forsending more data) can, e.g., increase the priority associated with theDS data traffic to the randomly selected CPEe/FWAe relative to otherCPEe/FWAe connected to the base station, which helps ensure that thediversity or “fairness” in the DS data traffic from the base station isachieved (e.g., with different, random CPEe/FWAe devices being perturbedand assigned different priorities for data delivery at a given point intime).

Specifically, as previously described, the scheduler will calculate thesame decision metrics (DMs) for each CPEe, and ranking of the CPEe basedon DMs will generally be the same at each scheduling instance due to thestable CQI/channel for each. Therefore, CPEe with the lower reportedCQIs (e.g., those further away from the CBSDe) may starve for data.Hence, introduction of some randomness is used to perturbate this sameDM ranking so that such low DM CPEe also receive their fair share ofdata during scheduling (or at least will not wait for an extendedperiod).

At steps 1127 and 1128, the MCS/TBS values can be further adjusted basedat least on any retransmission requests from the CPEe/FWAe (and/or otherfeedback data or criteria such as e.g., iPerf data from the CPEe/FWAe ordevices connected thereto.

Moreover, as previously noted, running the scheduler process in the CBSDis costly in terms of hardware and software resources. Under the priorart approach, at each TTI (1 msec.), the scheduler collects all CQIvalues from all CPEs in the network and distributes the availableresource of the CBSD among the served CPE in the network. Conversely, inthe methodology of FIGS. 11-11 c, a CQI distribution is created for eachCPEe/FWAe, and these distributions are used to make better schedulingdecisions rather than necessarily receiving and processing all CQIvalues from CPEs. This reduces the time of scheduling for all CPEe/FWAe,and also less software and hardware resources are used (including ULchannel resources to transmit the data). This is enabled in large partby the relative stability of each channel, at least in the short-term(i.e., relative to a device with mobility, which may have a large degreeof short-term variation).

Further, by knowing the CQI curve or distribution of each CPEe in thenetwork, the improved scheduler disclosed herein can also schedule datafor several successive TTIs rather than for the next single CQI datapoint received, since the scheduler can estimate the value of CQI forthe next several TTIs. This is particularly advantageous in light of therecognition that all CQI values sent to the CBSDe may not be accurate,and hence the CBSDe can skip inaccurate CQI values, and not scheduledata to CPEe/FWAe whose CQI value is determined to be inaccurate orerroneous. Stated differently, rather than the scheduler “chasing itstail” on a CQI value to CQI value basis (some of which may beerroneous), a statistically smoother and more accurate aggregation ofdata is utilized, which also leads to better utilization of resourcessince each CPEe/FWAe will be scheduled at least some data (includingthose with lower CQI values due to greater range from the CBSDe, therebypromoting greater fairness).

Referring now to FIG. 11C, one implementation of steps 1127 and 1128 ofFIG. 11B is shown and described.

At steps 1152-1154, the BSe checks the feedback criteria (e.g., for oneor more retransmission requests from the CPEe/FWAe for which the MCSvalue was increased). For example, depending on the increased MCS valueand the increased amount of data (e.g., via increased transport blocksize for the DS data transmission), as well as the amount of data thatthe CPEe/FWAe can handle/decode (e.g., based on its capabilities and/orsurrounding RF conditions), a retransmission request may be receivedfrom the CPEe/FWAe.

At step 1156, based on the determination that the feedback criteriais/are met, such as a prescribed number or frequency of retransmissionrequest(s) being received from the CPEe/FWAe per step 1154, the MCSand/or TBS value associated with the DS data transmission to theCPEe/FWAe is decreased. For example, based on a number of retransmissionrequests received from the CPEe/FWAe (e.g., the number meeting orexceeding a threshold number, or per unit time), the base station candetermine that the CPEe/FWAe is not able to decode the amount of datasent DS (based on the increased MCS value) from the base station.

Subsequent to the decrease in the MCS value per 1156, as shown in FIG.11C, the base station can continue to check for additional feedback suchas a retransmission request from the CPEe/FWAe and repeat steps 1152-11156 to find a MCS/TBS value which results in the “maximum” amount ofdata sent DS that the CPE/FWA can reliably decode.

It will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art that if,at step 1154, the initially increased MCS value does not result in anynegative feedback such as retransmission request being received from theCPEe/FWAe, the base station can also continue to further increase theMCS value (not shown) until the aforementioned “maximum” amount of datathat the CPEe/FWAe can handle is identified. As noted elsewhere herein,this process may also be iterative over a period of time, including aconvergence on a “settled” value for the parameters being varied whichcan then be written to storage for updating the statistical/historicaldata for that CPEe/FWAe.

Furthermore, given at least the randomization described above, overallefficiency in the DS data transmission from the base station can bemonitored over a prescribed period of time to determine whether theoverall efficiency is impacted in any way by the randomization (notshown). For example, if there is no significant improvement, theforegoing methods can introduce one or more “outliers” (e.g., for whichCPE/FWA to adjust the CQI/MCS for, how much to adjust the CQI/MCS by,etc.) to see if any improvement can be brought about. Conversely, ifdegradation is shown to occur, the perturbation values may be made lessaggressive.

Additionally, the foregoing randomized scheme for CPEe/FWAe perturbationmay be used in conjunction with, or replaced by, other schemes. Forinstance, in one implementation, CPEe/FWAe are selected for perturbation(i) after having achieved suspension as dictated by the serving BSe orassociated network controller, and (ii) according to a round-robin orother technique which determines CPEe/FWAe selection. Such technique maybe based on the average/peak value of CQI for a given CPEe/FWAe; e.g.,such that those with characteristically or statistically the highestaverage or peak CQI readings are reduced in frequency for selection bythe perturbation algorithm.

Moreover, the perturbation algorithm may be configured to operateeffectively in reverse; i.e., selecting CPEe/FWAe for reduction ofMCS/TBS (and CQI), which in effect de-weights or de-prioritizes them forat least a period of time relative to other CPEe/FWAe not so selected.

FIG. 12 shows one implementation of a method 1200 for CQI determinationand utilization, in the context of the CBRS-based architecturespreviously discussed (e.g., CBRS spectrum, CBSDe, and FWAe utilizing3GPP 4G or 5G technology).

Per step 1203, the CBSDe 702 registers with the SAS 302 (FIG. 3), andthe SAS assigns the CBSDe necessary data such as an ID and spectrumgrant, according to extant CBRS protocols.

Per step 1205, the CPEe 704 also registers with the SAS. In somescenarios where the CPEe needs to operate at signal levels higher than23 dBm (e.g., Category A versus B), the CPEe can register with the SASas a CBSD.

Per step 1207, the CPEe measures the RSRP of the relevant serving CBSDe702 to estimate the received power associated with the CBSDe. It will beappreciated that this operation (as well as some subsequent steps of themethod) may be performed by the CPEe pursuant to evaluating a givenCBSDe for subsequent selection and operation. For instance, a given CPEemay have two or three “candidate” CBSDe devices within range, anddepending on channel conditions specific to each, the CPEe logic may beconfigured to evaluate and determine the CBSDe with the highest RSRPvalue, and only pursue further negotiation and data transfer with thathighest CBSDe.

Per step 1209, the CPEe/FWAe 704 calculates the SINR from the estimatedCBSDe power, and maps the calculated SINR to a CQI a value through apre-defined data structure such as a lookup table or an equation. TheCQI value indicates the configuration (e.g., MCS) value at which theCPEe can decode the transport data block without any error (or with aprescribed maximum level of tolerable error), which depends on the DLphysical channel and its capacity.

In some embodiments of the method, an effective SINRe is computedthrough a Mutual Information Effective SINR mapping (MIESM) from theinstantaneous SINRs at the RSRP location. For instance, the SINRe may becalculated from the following equation:

$\begin{matrix}{{SINRe} = {f^{- 1}\left( {\sum\limits_{p = 1}^{P}\;{\frac{1}{P}{f\left( \frac{SINRp}{\beta} \right)}}} \right)}} & {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu}(2)}\end{matrix}$

where P indicates the number of subcarriers in an OFDM symbol, and β isa calibration factor. The function f(.) is the bit-interleaved codedmodulation (BICM) capacity curve in this embodiment.

In some embodiments, Eqn. (1) may be calculated offline, and stored inthe storage device of the relevant component (e.g., CPEe). In somescenarios, the CPEe 704 may use multiple antenna techniques such asspatial multiplexing or transmit diversity techniques for processing thereceived data including measuring the RSRP, channel estimation and datadecoding.

The CPEe may use various receiver type or algorithms to estimate theSINR and decode the data. For instance, Minimum Mean Square Error (MMS),Maximum Likelihood (ML), and/or Maximum Posterior Probability (MAP) maybe used consistent with the disclosure, although it will be appreciatedby those of ordinary skill given this disclosure that other approachesmay be used.

In addition, the CQI generation may correspond to (or be specific to)different Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output DL transmission modes. Forinstance, in some scenarios, CQI may be generated for closed-loopprecoding, Spatial Frequency Block Coding (SFBC), open loop precoding,Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO), Cyclic Delay Diversity (CDD), etc. As such,depending on the mode, the CQI may be different.

Further, these scenarios consider different Doppler Frequency, and hencecan be used for both slow and fast varying channels (including thepresumed slower-varying channels of the exemplary stationary FWAe).Accordingly, these scenarios incorporate Doppler frequency in the CBSDepower estimation, and receiver algorithms to decode the data which leadsto an accurate CQI generation under a variety of circumstances includingthose expected for FWAe installations.

Returning to FIG. 12, per step 1211, the CPEe transmits the determinedCQI value(s) to the CBSDe via an UL channel. The CPEe may report the CQIvalues periodically at certain time (e.g., each time slot, frame),according to a schedule, in an event-driven manner, or otherwise.Moreover, as noted above, depending on mode, the CPEe may transmitmultiple CQI values associated with different modes, whethersimultaneously or at different times.

Per step 1213, once the CBSDe receives the CQI data from the CPEe, itmaps the CQI value to a configuration such as an MCS value through alookup table stored in the CBSDe storage device (or location otherwiseaccessible to the CBSDe, such as cloud storage). In some embodiment, theCBSDe may use a fixed CQI table, which is stored locally in CBSDe massstorage or memory. In other embodiments, the stored CQI table may variesfor different scenarios, which can depend on channel propagationcharacteristics such as Doppler shift, antenna correlation, thermalnoise variance, angle of arrival and etc.

Per step 1215, the CBSDe transmits data to the CPEe on the DL datachannel(s) using the calculated configuration (e.g., MCS) value. In onevariant, the Transport Block (TB) size is also decided based on the MCSvalue from a lookup table, e.g., as defined in 3GPP TS 36.213.

FIG. 13 is a ladder diagram illustrating one embodiment of thecommunication flow between CBSDe 702 and CPEe 704. Note that in theexemplary embodiment, one or more extant 3GPP control plane (CP)channels (including shared channels such as PUSCH or PDSCH) are used forpassing data between the CPEe and CBSDe in the UL, although othermechanisms may be used as well.

Service Provider Network—

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of a service provider networkconfiguration useful with the adaptive CQI and “perturbation”functionality and supporting 3GPP/CBRS-based wireless network(s)described herein. It will be appreciated that while described withrespect to such network configuration, the methods and apparatusdescribed herein may readily be used with other network types andtopologies, whether wired or wireless, managed or unmanaged.

The exemplary service provider network 1400 is used in the embodiment ofFIG. 14 to provide backhaul and Internet access from the serviceprovider's wireless access nodes (e.g., CBSDe/xNBe devices, Wi-Fi APs,FWAe devices or base stations operated or maintained by the MSO), andone or more stand-alone or embedded DOCSIS cable modems (CMs) 125 indata communication therewith.

The individual CBSDe/xNBe devices 702 are backhauled by the CMs 125 tothe MSO core via 710 includes at least some of the EPC/5GC corefunctions previously described. Each of the CPEe/FWAe 704 arecommunicative with their respective CBSDe 702. Client devices 141 suchas tablets, smartphones, SmartTVs, etc. at each premises are served byrespective WLAN routers 706, the latter which are backhauled to the MSOcore or backbone via their respective CPEe/FWAe 704.

Notably, in the embodiment of FIG. 14, all of the necessary componentsfor support of the CPEe/FWAe and BSe functionality described above andwithin the MSO portion are owned, maintained and/or operated by thecommon entity (e.g., cable MSO). The approach of FIG. 14 has theadvantage of, inter alia, giving the MSO control over the entire serviceprovider chain, including control over the xNBe devices so as tooptimize service to its specific customers (versus the non-MSOcustomer-specific service provided by an MNO, as discussed below), andthe ability to construct its architecture to optimize incipient 5G NRfunctions such as network slicing, gNB DU/CU Option “splits”, etc.

Notwithstanding, in the embodiment of FIG. 14, the architecture 1300 mayfurther include an optional MNO portion (e.g., MNO core 1423 andassociated CBSDe or xNBe devices 702, and/or non-enhanced CBSD/xNBdevices, which may be operated by the MNO versus the MSO in support ofe.g., fixed UE comparable to the CPEe/FWAe within the MSO network,including for subscribers of the MSO or otherwise. For example, otherfunctions such as 3GPP EPC/E-UTRAN or 5GC and NG-RAN functionality canbe provided by one or more MNO networks operated by MNOs with which theMSO has a service agreement (and between which data connectivity andnetwork “federation” exists, as shown). This approach has the advantageof, inter alia, avoiding more CAPEX by the MSO, including duplication ofinfrastructure which may already service the area of interest, includingreduced RF interference due to addition of extra (and ostensiblyunnecessary) CBSDe/xNBe devices or other transceivers.

It will be recognized that while certain aspects of the disclosure aredescribed in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, thesedescriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of thedisclosure, and may be modified as required by the particularapplication. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional undercertain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality maybe added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance oftwo or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to beencompassed within the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the disclosure as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Thisdescription is in no way meant to be limiting, but rather should betaken as illustrative of the general principles of the disclosure. Thescope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to theclaims.

It will be further appreciated that while certain steps and aspects ofthe various methods and apparatus described herein may be performed by ahuman being, the disclosed aspects and individual methods and apparatusare generally computerized/computer-implemented. Computerized apparatusand methods are necessary to fully implement these aspects for anynumber of reasons including, without limitation, commercial viability,practicality, and even feasibility (i.e., certain steps/processes simplycannot be performed by a human being in any viable fashion).

1. A computerized method of data traffic management in a wirelessnetwork having a plurality of wireless premises devices in wirelesscommunication with a base station, the computerized method comprising:receiving at the base station of the wireless network first data relatedto respective ones of radio frequency (RF) channels between the basestation and the plurality of wireless premises devices; evaluating thereceived first data to generate respective characterizations of therespective ones of the RF channels; based at least in part on therespective characterizations, adjusting a configuration of at least oneof the plurality of wireless premises devices; and determining aschedule of data delivery to the plurality of wireless premises devices,the determination based at least on the characterizations and theadjusted configuration.
 2. The computerized method of claim 1, whereinthe receiving of the first data comprises receiving a channel qualityindicator generated by respective ones of the plurality of wirelesspremises devices.
 3. The computerized method of claim 1, wherein theevaluating the received first data to generate the respectivecharacterizations comprises: calculating a respective standard deviationof a plurality of channel quality indicator values received from each ofthe plurality of wireless premises devices over a period of time; andevaluating at least the standard deviation associated with the at leastone of the plurality of wireless premises devices against a prescribedchannel stability criterion.
 4. The computerized method of claim 3,wherein the determining of the schedule comprises increasing a prioritylevel associated with the data delivery to the at least one of theplurality of wireless premises devices relative to other priority levelsassociated with data delivery to respective ones of other of theplurality of wireless premises devices.
 5. The computerized method ofclaim 1, wherein the adjusting of the configuration comprises adjustingat least one of (i) a modulation and coding scheme value, or (ii) atransport block size related to the at least one of the plurality ofwireless premises devices.
 6. The computerized method of claim 5,wherein the adjusting the at least one of (i) the modulation and codingscheme value or (ii) the transport block size comprises: increasing themodulation and coding scheme value by a first amount; transmitting datato the at least one of the plurality of wireless premises devices usingthe increased modulation and coding scheme value; determining that datarepresentative of a retransmission request for the transmitted data isreceived from the at least one of the plurality of wireless premisesdevices; and based at least on the determining that the datarepresentative of the retransmission request is received, decreasing themodulation and coding scheme value by a second amount.
 7. Thecomputerized method of claim 5, wherein the adjusting the at least oneof (i) the modulation and coding scheme value or (ii) the transportblock size comprises: increasing the modulation and coding scheme valueby a first amount; transmitting data to the at least one of theplurality of wireless premises devices using the increased modulationand coding scheme value; determining that data representative of aretransmission request for the transmitted data is not received from theat least one of the plurality of wireless premises devices for aprescribed duration of time; and based at least on the determining thatthe data representative of the retransmission request is not receivedfor the prescribed duration of time, increasing the modulation andcoding scheme value further.
 8. The computerized method of claim 1,further comprising performing, after the determining of the schedule, achannel quality indicator randomization process, the channel qualityindicator randomization process comprising: generating data relating toa plurality of channel quality indicator values associated with aplurality of respective second wireless premises devices; sending, toeach one of the plurality of second wireless premises devices, datarepresentative of a request to stop reporting channel quality indicatorvalues associated with the each of the plurality of second wirelesspremises devices; after a prescribed period of time has elapsed sincethe sending, selecting one or more of the plurality of wireless premisesdevices via a randomized process; and increasing respective one or moreof the plurality of channel quality indicator values associated with theone or more of the plurality of wireless premises devices by aprescribed amount in order to perturb the schedule.
 9. The computerizedmethod of claim 1, wherein: the base station comprises a CBRS (CitizensBroadband Radio Service) CBSD (Citizens Broadband Service Device)compliant with 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) protocols;the respective ones of the RF channels each comprise channels using aCBRS frequency within the band of 3.550 to 3.700 GHz inclusive, the CBRSfrequency assigned to the CBSD by a SAS (spectrum allocation system);and the at least one of the plurality of wireless premises devicescomprises a CBRS fixed wireless apparatus (FWA).
 10. Computerizedwireless network apparatus configured for data communication at leastwith a plurality of fixed wireless Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) viaa content delivery network, the computerized wireless network apparatuscomprising: processor apparatus; a wireless interface in datacommunication with the processor apparatus and configured for wirelessdata communication with the plurality of fixed wireless CPE; and storageapparatus in data communication with the processor apparatus, thestorage apparatus comprising at least one computer program configuredto, when executed by the processor apparatus, cause the computerizedwireless network apparatus to: receive first data relating to a wirelesschannel between one of the plurality of fixed wireless CPE and thecomputerized wireless network apparatus; process the received first datato determine a priority of the one of the plurality of fixed wirelessCPE relative to at least one other of the plurality of fixed wirelessCPE; based at least on the processed first data, cause adjustment of aconfiguration of the wireless interface and a corresponding wirelessinterface of the one of the plurality of fixed wireless CPE; and basedat least in part on the adjusted configuration, determine schedule ofdata delivery to the plurality of fixed wireless CPE.
 11. Thecomputerized wireless network apparatus of claim 10, wherein: thereceipt of the first data relating to the wireless channel between theone of the plurality of fixed wireless CPE and the computerized wirelessnetwork apparatus comprises receipt of a plurality of 3GPP (ThirdGeneration Partnership Project) CQI (channel quality indicator) dataover a prescribed period of time; and the processing of the receivedfirst data to determine the priority comprises: (i) generation of astatistical distribution using at least the plurality of 3GPP CQI data;and (ii) generation of a representative CQI value based on thestatistical distribution.
 12. The computerized wireless networkapparatus of claim 11, wherein the generation of the representative CQIvalue based on the statistical distribution comprises determination ofat least one of a mean or median value for the statistical distribution;and wherein the adjustment of the configuration of the wirelessinterface and the corresponding wireless interface of the one of theplurality of fixed wireless CPE is based at least on the mean or medianvalue.
 13. The computerized wireless network apparatus of claim 10,wherein the at least one computer program is further configured to, whenexecuted by the processor apparatus, cause the computerized wirelessnetwork apparatus to: utilize received feedback data sent from the oneof the plurality of fixed wireless CPE in the adjustment of theconfiguration of the wireless interface and the corresponding wirelessinterface of the one of the plurality of fixed wireless CPE.
 14. Thecomputerized wireless network apparatus of claim 13, wherein the atleast one computer program is further configured to, when executed bythe processor apparatus, cause the computerized wireless networkapparatus to: receive the feedback data from the one of the plurality offixed wireless CPE, the feedback data relating to a sufficiency of adata transmission and comprising data relating to a need forretransmission of the feedback data due to a decoding failure by the oneof the plurality of fixed wireless CPE. 15.-20. (canceled)
 21. Computerreadable apparatus comprising a non-transitory storage medium, thenon-transitory storage medium comprising at least one computer programhaving a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructionsconfigured to, when executed on a processing apparatus of a base stationapparatus of a wireless network, cause the base station apparatus to:receive first data related to respective ones of radio frequency (RF)channels between the base station apparatus and a plurality of fixedwireless apparatus; evaluate the received first data to generaterespective characterizations of the respective ones of the RF channels;based at least in part on the respective characterizations, causeadjustment of a configuration of one or more of the plurality of fixedwireless apparatus; and determine a schedule of data delivery to theplurality of fixed wireless apparatus, the determination based at leaston the characterizations and the adjusted configuration.
 22. Thecomputer readable apparatus of claim 21, wherein the plurality ofinstructions are further configured to, when executed on the processingapparatus, cause the base station apparatus to: receive feedback datafrom the one or more of the plurality of fixed wireless apparatus; andbased on the feedback data, transmit instruction data to the one or moreof the plurality of fixed wireless apparatus, the instruction dataconfigured to instruct the one or more of the plurality of fixedwireless apparatus to suspend further transmission of data indicative ofa quality of a channel until a subsequent occurrence of an event. 23.The computer readable apparatus of claim 22, wherein the event comprisesa subsequent change in at least one of a modulation and coding scheme(MCS) or transport block size (TBS) associated with transmission of userplane (UP) data from the base station apparatus to the one or more ofthe plurality of fixed wireless apparatus via use of the channel. 24.The computer readable apparatus of claim 23, wherein the receipt of thefeedback data comprises receipt of the feedback data after thesubsequent change in the at least one of the MCS or TBS.
 25. Thecomputer readable apparatus of claim 23, wherein: the base stationapparatus comprises a CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) CBSD(Citizens Broadband Service Device) compliant with 3GPP (ThirdGeneration Partnership Project) protocols; the UP data is received usinga CBRS frequency within the band of 3.550 to 3.700 GHz inclusive, theCBRS frequency assigned to the CBSD by a SAS (spectrum allocationsystem); the one or more of the plurality of fixed wireless apparatuscomprises a CBRS fixed wireless apparatus (FWA) disposed at a userpremises; and the base station apparatus and the one or more of theplurality of fixed wireless apparatus are each managed by a commonnetwork operator serving the user premises.
 26. The computer readableapparatus of claim 23, wherein the channel is substantially invariateover a prescribed period of time.